POLICE searching for a missing Gateshead woman yesterday found a body.

Sorrelle Bamford, 38, was reported missing at 9.55am on Tuesday after last being seen at an address on Chesters Gardens in Crawcrook.

An investigation was launched to trace the mother-of-four with both police and her family extremely concerned for her welfare.

Searches were conducted in the Crawcrook and Wylam areas, and Northumbria Police confirmed that the body of a woman was discovered near to the River Tyne in Wylam yesterday afternoon.

Formal identification is yet to take place but police believe the woman may be Ms Bamford.

Superintendent Peter Bent, who led the search, said yesterday: "We have had a large number of officers deployed across the area since Sorrelle's disappearance. There has been a great response from our public appeals and I want to thank everyone who has shared the appeals in the media or on social media.

"Sadly we discovered the body of a woman this afternoon and, although formal identification is yet to take place, we do believe that the woman may be Sorrelle.

"This is awful news for her family and we will continue to support them at this difficult time and we would ask the public to respect their privacy.”

Officers will remain near to the location and continue with their enquiries.