Two of the team's vehicles near the search scene. Photo: Dartmoor Search and Rescue Ashburton
Two bodies were found after rescuers joined a search for a missing Torquay man.
Dartmoor Search and Rescue Ashburton members were called out on Tuesday evening to help in the hunt for David Cauldwell in the Oddicombe and Babbacombe areas.
About 30 volunteers from the team joined the police operation to find the 39-year-old, who had not been seen since Saturday night.
The Dartmoor team failed to find the missing man during their search close to the South West Coast Path, but made a shock discovery.
A team spokesperson said: “During our search of the area around Petit Tor Point, around 8.45pm, one of our search teams found a body which it is believed had been there for some considerable time and not related to the search we were deployed on.
“This was reported to Devon and Cornwall Police who sent a team to investigate. Items found with the remains are being used to assist officers with identification.”
A second body was found by police about 8.10am the following day and the family of Mr Cauldwell was informed.
A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson said the two bodies were found about 200m apart on the coastal path where recent landslide activity can be seen.
The searches took place in woods near Petit Tor Point. Photo: Dartmoor Search and Rescue Ashburton
The spokesperson said: “Enquiries are ongoing to establish the identity of the [first] person although the remains are believed to be that of a man who went missing in Torquay in November 2014. His next of kin has been informed and the death is not being treated as suspicious.
“David Cauldwell’s family have been informed of the developments in relation to the second body but formal identification has not yet taken place.
“The death is currently being treated as unexplained and enquiries are ongoing to ascertain Mr Cauldwell’s movements since he was last seen leaving the Artful Dodger pub in Teignmouth Road, Torquay, at around midnight on Saturday 21 May.”
Police said the area around the coastal path has been cordoned off and a full investigation is being carried out to establish the circumstances of both deaths.
The families are being offered support by police.
The Dartmoor team spokesperson said: “With the body found by one of our search teams last night and the second discovery by the police this morning, our thoughts and condolences are very much with the families of those concerned at this very difficult time, and we hope identifications are made quickly.”
