POLICE can confirm that the body of a woman has been recovered from the River Wye in Herefordshire today.

The discovery was at around 12.30pm by a member of the public, close to Hampton Bishop. The body was removed from the river with the assistance of the fire service a short while later.

Police can now confirm that the body is that of a missing 57-year old Hereford woman, Patricia Dawe. Mrs Dawe had been reported missing by her family on Friday, May 18 having disappeared from the family home.

A search of the River Wye on Saturday and Sunday - using dog handlers, the police helicopter and boats from both the fire service and Severn Area Rescue Association - had earlier proved negative.

Mrs Dawe's family has been informed and a police Family Liaison Officer is providing them with assistance.

The Coroner for Herefordshire, David Halpern, has also been informed and a report will be prepared for a formal inquest in due course.