The body of a missing 80-year-old woman has been found in a river, police confirmed this moring.

Police believe the body to be that of missing 80-year-old Gloria Clarke.

Police officers received a call at 7pm yesterday that a body had been found near to Surtees Bridge in Stockton.

No formal identification has yet been carried out but the family of Gloria Clarke have been informed.

They continue to be supported by specialist officers.

The Northern Echo:

Gloria left her home in Eaglescliffe in the early hours of Sunday 31 December, New Year’s Eve.

The search concentrated on the River Tees after CCTV footage emerged showed a woman matching Gloria's appearance entering the water.

Boat searches, drones, sniffer dogs and divers combed the area but nothing was found.

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A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: "Officers received a call shortly after 7pm yesterday, Monday 18 March, after the body of a woman was found in the River Tees near to Surtees Bridge in Stockton.

"Whilst no formal identification has taken place, the family of missing 80-year-old Gloria Clarke from Yarm, has been informed and continue to be supported by specially trained officers.

"Our thoughts remain with the family at this difficult time."