Barbados police have discovered a body while searching for a man who was reported missing last week.

In a statement, police said officers were conducting investigations near Upper Belle Canefield, Hothersal, St John, on the morning of August 5 when they were directed to a bushy area where the body was found.

Authorities did not identify the deceased but said the individual had been missing since July 28.

A search of the Barbados Police Service’s website and Facebook page showed that the only missing person notice issued around that time was for 24-year-old Shem Clarke of 4th Avenue, Belair Terrace, St Philip.

Clarke was described as approximately five feet, nine inches tall, of slim build and brown complexion. 

He has long hair worn in cornrows, an oval-shaped face, a small mouth, thin lips, a large nose, small ears pierced once each, and brown eyes. Police also said he has a tattoo of a trident behind his left ear and chipped upper front teeth.

According to the missing person notice, Clarke was known to frequent the Blades Hill No. 2 and Kirtons areas in St Philip.

Police have not confirmed whether the body found is that of Clarke, and investigations are continuing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-8477, Police Emergency at 211, or the Oistins Police Station at 418-2608 or 418-2609.