A body, believed to be the woman declared missing earlier this week has been discovered in a Bedford river by police earlier today, Thursday.

62-year-old Lesley Relph was reported missing on Monday with officers growing increasingly concerned for her welfare.

Bedfordshire police confirmed a body has been discovered in the River Great Ouse, near Barkers Lane in Bedford.

A spokeswoman for Herts police said: "Police looking for a missing woman from Hitchin have found a body.

"We have confirmed a body was found today (Thursday) in the river near Barkers Lane, Bedford."

A formal identification has yet to take place, but Mrs Relph's family have been informed.