A body has been found near Hickling Broad during the search for a missing 65-year-old man. 

The body was discovered this afternoon in Candle Dyke following an extensive search by Norfolk Constabulary's Marine Unit, Norfolk Lowland Search and Rescue, Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service and officers using advanced sonar equipment at the scene. 

While the body has yet to be formally identified, the search for missing David Cubberley has been stood down.

Mr Cubberley was last seen on Sunday, February 11 but concerns were raised for him around 3pm on Saturday, February 17 after his boat, normally moored near to the Pleasure Boat in Hickling, was found in reeds about half a mile away. 

A police spokesman said his dog was found nearby on land on Saturday and was taken to a vet. 

READ MORE: Mystery on the Norfolk Broads as boater vanishes sparking major search

Jim Butcher spotted Mr Cubberley's 20ft cabin cruiser drifting in the reeds while on a fishing trip and raised the alarm after finding the abandoned vessel in an extremely remote area of the broads. 

Mr Cubberley's boat was previously moored at Hickling's Pleasure Boat Staithe, but locals said he moved it to the more remote Candle Dyke around six weeks ago.

It is understood Mr Cubberley lived on his boat, 'Fun 4 Us 2', after his partner, Felicity, died falling down the stairs of their home in Cromer two years ago. 

A close friend said: "They had been together for 40 years and it really took a toll on him.

"He found it difficult to live there after her death and started living on the boat with his dog.

"He didn't have a bad bone in his body. He was a gentle, well-mannered, likeable person going through a hard time."

Enquiries are ongoing and the death is being treated as unexplained but not believed to be suspicious.