Broadcaster and healthy living advocate Michael Mosley died of natural causes on the day he went missing on a Greek island, according to police.

His body was found on Sunday in a rocky area near Agia Marina beach on the island of Symi, after his disappearance was reported on Wednesday.

An initial post-mortem examination has been carried out that confirms there were no injuries on his body, Greek police spokeswoman Konstantia Dimoglidou has told the BBC.

It also estimated the time of death was around 4pm local time on Wednesday. He had left friends on the island’s Agios Nikolaos beach at around 1.30pm to go for a walk.

The position of his body means he died of natural causes, Ms Dimoglidou said, adding that toxicology and histology reports will be carried out.

Footage reportedly found by a beach bar at Agia Marina shows what appears to be the TV doctor making his way down a rocky slope close to a fence before he falls out of view. 

Members of the Symi crisis rescue volunteer team have expressed their “deepest condolences” to the wife, children and friends of Mosley “for his tragic loss”. 

“Our team was called in by island authorities to assist in the search investigation on the very first night of his disappearance and we immediately began with a first night search,” a statement said. 

“We continued all the coming days to participate in the investigations together with firefighters, police officers and other volunteers, as always directed by the head of the investigation. 

“High temperatures and rough spots made this mission particularly difficult, and unfortunately, the outcome was one we all know.”

Downing Street said Michael Mosley was an “extraordinary broadcaster” who had a “huge impact” on people’s lives.

Earlier on Monday, Mosley’s Trust Me, I’m A Doctor co-star Dr Saleyha Ahsan paid tribute to her “mentor and a friend”. 

“The way that I got to know him on screen, that really personable, accessible character that he comes across on television, that’s exactly how he was in real life and how he was with me,” Dr Ahsan told BBC Breakfast.

“He instantly put me at ease, settled me down, and we got on with the job. And I forgot about the cameras and the lights, we just had a really good conversation.

“He just had this ability to break down the complex and make it accessible to all.”

The British prime minister’s official spokesman said: “The reports from the weekend are heartbreaking and our thoughts are with Dr Michael Mosley’s family, his wife Clare and friends, in what must be deeply sad times. 

“We have seen some incredibly touching tributes which have made clear the huge impact that Dr Mosley had on people and helped to transform people’s lives for the better. 

“He will be known as an extraordinary broadcaster who used his platform to influence and change the way we think about many public health issues.” 

Calypso Haggett, chief executive of The Fast 800 weight-loss program, an intermittent fasting diet that Mosley popularised, said he was a “shining light for the whole team” and his “incredible legacy” will “energise a continuous movement for better health”. 

“He and his work motivated us every day and we remain so inspired by his energy, passion, humour, knowledge and kindness,” she said.

“He was a great communicator and had a unique ability to convey complex messages in a simple, easy-to-understand way that encouraged many people to make positive changes in their lives. I know this is how he will be remembered. 

“I had the great privilege of knowing Michael both professionally and personally. He really, truly was one of a kind and will be terribly missed by everyone.”