THE body of a man washed up on a Hampshire beach has been identified as missing Aaron Fiveash.

The tragic news follows a month-long search for the 36-year-old man, who jumped naked out of his bedroom window on Sunday, January 5.

His mother Maureen had told the Echo he had been suffering panic attacks on the weekend he ran away and was in a distressed state.

His family had been clinging to the hope he was alive but Dorset Police has now confirmed that a man’s body that washed up on Southsea seafront last Wednesday was Aaron.

A statement from Dorset Police said: “It has now been confirmed that he was found dead on Wednesday, 29 January 2014 on Southsea Beach in Hampshire.

“Next of kin have been informed and the Portsmouth and South East Hampshire Coroner has been notified.”

Aaron’s disappearance from his home in Sunnylands Avenue, Southbourne, sparked a major land and sea search.

His mother, Maureen, made several heartfelt pleas for him to come home and his friends and colleagues at John Reid and Sons started a poster campaign to try and help find him.

His sister, Sophie, described Aaron as “quiet and shy”.

Aaron had worked in the accounts office at the Christchurch firm for 13 years and was a popular team member.

Simon Boyd, director for health and safety at John Reid and Sons, said: “We are all shocked and stunned to have been told the sad news that Aaron's body was found on Southsea beach.

“All 120 staff here have been hoping that Aaron would be found safe and well, indeed they had been actively looking for him on a daily basis and had started a poster campaign to help keep his profile on everyone's mind.

“Aaron had worked for us for near 13 years and during his time with us he always proved himself to be a loyal and committed member of the team.

“He was a quiet and unassuming person who worked diligently in an important accounts role.

“He was always keen to participate in company organised events and would readily help others if they required his assistance.

“Aaron will be sadly missed by his work colleagues.

“Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.”

The charity Missing People also issued a poster to try and assist with the search.