A body has been found in the search for Manx advocate Mark Moroney in the US Virgin Islands.

Police spokesman Glen Dratte said foul play had not been ruled out.

He said: ’The body was wearing similar clothing to that of missing St John resident Mark Moroney.’

The body was found on Friday in a steep and heavily wooded area of St John at about 3.55pm.

US Virgin Island police also said a pair of glasses were found about one-and-a-half miles from Mr and Mrs Moroney’s house.

Formal identification had not been made by the time the Examiner went to press.

The discovery comes nearly two weeks since Mr Moroney, aged 70, was reported missing by his wife Susan from their home in Chocolate Hole, St John, in the Caribbean island.

Officer Dratte also said police had not yet ruled out foul play and an autopsy is pending.

Police had previously searched using thermal imaging cameras and search dogs with no success.

Mr Moroney was reported missing after he went outside to retrieve a torch from his car during a power cut.

He was said to be wearing drawstring slacks and a blue polo shirt when he disappeared.

He had a long and distinguished law career in the island having been called to the bar in 1972 and later founding the law firm Moroneys.

Paul Beckett, senior counsel at MannBenham Advocates, posted on a St John Community page: ’Thoughts and prayers for dear Mark from the Isle of Man where he practised for many years.

’A gentle soul and a brilliant mind.’