Body discovered in woodland during search for missing woman

Police have discovered a woman's body in woodland in North Devon.

The body was found in Combe Martin by police at around 11.30am yesterday morning following a search for missing woman Elizabeth Parish.

Elizabeth Parish, known as Liz, was reported missing on Friday, July 22.

The 52-year-old was last seen at her home in, Castle Street, Combe Martin on Sunday, July 17.

Police said they had serious concerns for her welfare and searched the area, along with RNLI lifeboat crews, coastguard teams and Exmoor Search and Rescue.

She is described as about 5ft 4inches tall and of medium build, with shoulder-length light brown hair, which is greying slightly.

Her sister Rachelle Jeffs explained that Liz was a quiet person and was not known for being out of contact with her family.

She said: "Although we think she left in the early hours of July 18, she left a note saying she was going to stay with friends and so we weren't concerned until Thursday.

"We think she left the village between midnight and 6am wearing a navy blue fleece, jeans and black leather boots."

Liz has lived in the village all her life and is regularly seen most days walking to the shops with her mother Phyllis Ackland.

Anyone who has seen Liz is asked to phone police on 08452 777444, quoting log 753/220711.

No formal identification has yet taken place.

Next of kin have been informed.