TRIBUTE has been paid to a cricketer who played an integral part in Leek's triumphant treble-winning team of 2001.
Police have found a body they believe to be Ian Pearson who was reported missing in Pembrokeshire last Wednesday. The 41-year-old, formerly of Chedleton, went missing from the Little Haven area after taking his two dogs for a walk. Dyfed-Powys Police said a body had been found in woods in south Pembrokeshire. There are no suspicious circumstances.
Inspector Jackie Blackmore said the body matching Mr Pearson's description was found on Saturday afternoon following an extensive search by specialist teams. Formal identification was expected to take place last Sunday. Leek Cricket Club chairman Brian Mellor said: "Ian was a big part of this area and Leek's past success. All our thoughts are with his family at this incredibly sad time. It's a tragedy. After the euphoria we have had with the season we have just had as a club it's a huge shock."
Inspector Blackmore added: "Our sympathies and thoughts are with Ian's family and our thanks go to the search teams who helped us over the last three days."
Mid and West Fire and Rescue Service's urban search and rescue team took part in the search, along with Western Beacons Mountain Rescue Team, HM Coastguard, local police officers, specialist search teams and the police helicopter.
