POLICE have confirmed that a man found dead in Birkenhead on Friday night is eminent university professor Noel Sheehy.

Professor Sheehy, aged 56, from Prenton was last seen by his family at around 6.30am. He was reported missing later that day at around 7pm.

His body was found in Woodchurch Road, Birkenhead on Friday night by a member of the public and formally identified by next of kin over the weekend.

A post mortem examination to establish a cause of death is yet to be carried out.

A Merseyside Police spokesman said the death was not being treated as suspicious and the coroner has been informed.

Professor Sheehy was a Professor of Psychology at Liverpool John Moores University, and President Elect of the British Psychological Society.

Professor Andy Tattersall, LJMU director of the school of natural sciences and psychology: "We are deeply saddened to hear this news. Noel was a valued staff member and our thoughts are with his family."