Body found in search for Gaynor Lord who went missing a week ago

A body has been found in the search for Gaynor Lord, who went missing a week ago.

Specialist divers searching for the missing mother-of-three found the body in the River Wensum.

Norfolk Police said although the body had not been formally identified, the 55-year-old's family had been informed.

Two members of the dive team could be seen recovering the body from the river in Norwich earlier today (16 December).

Confirming that news, a spokesperson for the force said Ms Lord's family was being supported.

“Police searching for missing Norwich woman Gaynor Lord can confirm a body has been found in the River Wensum," they said.

Norwich Police

“The body was found in the river by underwater search teams this morning and has now been recovered from the water.

“While the body hasn’t formally been identified, Gaynor’s family have been informed.

“They continue to be supported by specially trained officers.”

Officers have said they believe there is a 'high probability' that she went into the river.

A search boat was out on the water today, with specialists looking for Ms Lord.

And police were seen recovering something in a large black bag at around midday.

The development comes after CCTV footage was released showing Ms Lord's last known movements before she disappeared on 8 December.

The retail assistant was seen leaving her workplace, Jarrolds department store, just before 3pm, over an hour before her shift actually finished.

Norwich Police

Ms Lord was seen rushing across the city centre, carrying her coat and handbag while walking up London Street before crossing Queen Street and heading to Norwich Cathedral.

The last image of Ms Lord was taken at 4.01pm as she walked down St Crispins Road towards Pitt Street before heading down St Augustines Street.

Later that evening, a passer-by found some of her belongings in Wensum Park - over a mile away from where she worked - and then reported it to the police.

Police confirmed that they had found her two rings, a pair of glasses, a phone and a white vest top at 'various locations' in the nearby park.

After her coat was recovered in the River Wensum, police launched a huge search in that area for the missing mum.

Speaking to the BBC, a friend of Ms Lord said that the mum seemed to be 'upbeat and happy', talking about Christmas just a few days before she went missing.

Julie Butcher told the outlet that she appeared 'fine' when they met up.