Durham Police have confirmed that they have found a body in the search for a missing County Durham woman. 

Officers from Durham Police have been looking for Donna Shamoon, 51, from Fishburn after she disappeared earlier this week. 

However, the police force confirmed on Thursday (February 2) that they have tragically found a body during their searches.

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At this stage, formal identification hasn't taken place - but the police have informed Donna's family. 

An investigation has been launched and police officers are currently treating the 51-year-old's death as 'unexplained'.

In a statement, they said: "We are sad to report that officers searching for missing Fishburn woman, Donna Shamoon have this afternoon found a body.

"Formal identification has yet to take place, but the family of 51-year-old Donna have been informed.

"At this stage, the death is being treated as unexplained and enquiries are ongoing.

"Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time."