Body found in major search for missing 23-year-old runner Jenny Hall

A body has been found in the search for missing runner Jenny Hall, five days after she disappeared in County Durham.

23-year-old Hall was last seen on Tuesday (18 February) leaving her home at Barracks Farm, Tow Law at around 3pm.

Her car was later found abandoned at the side of a moorland road a day later, with extensive searches being carried out by specially-trained police and mountain rescue teams.

Five days after her disappearance, Durham Constabulary confirmed yesterday (23 February) that a body had been found in the search for the long distance runner.

Long distance runner Jenny Hall vanished on 18 February (Durham Constabulary)

"We're sorry to report that officers searching for missing woman Jenny Hall, have sadly found a body," the police said in a statement, adding that formal identification of the body is yet to take place.

"The body was found in a very remote area in Teesdale just after 9.30am."

Durham Police went on to add that Hall's family had been informed about the discovery and were 'currently being supported by specialist officers'.

"They have asked for privacy at this devastating time," the statement added.

The force added that there are no 'suspicious circumstances' relating to the discovery of the body and that a file is currently being prepared for the coroner.

"The force would particularly like to thank the expert mountain rescue teams who have been working intensively alongside officers on the ground," the statement concluded.

An extensive police search had taken place in the hunt for the long distance runner, who was known to regularly visit Hamsterley Forest on her runs.

The search was aided by volunteers, with around 60 people turning up to help on the Saturday.

Search teams in the area where the 23-year-old went missing (Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team)

Earlier this week one of the volunteers spoke about the difficulties of searching the area, explaining that the terrain was 'muddy and boggy'.

"The biggest challenge is the area size itself and the terrain," volunteer Peter Bell explained to the BBC.

Data intelligence officers were also working to track the Hall's phone, smartwatch and running apps, but were unable to find any leads.

"We have become increasingly concerned for Jenny since she was reported missing on Tuesday and have been exploring all lines of inquiry," Chief Inspector Dean Haythornthwaite, of Durham Constabulary, said earlier in the week.

Haythornthwaite went on to thank the public for their help in the search, despite the difficult terrain and weather conditions.

"I just want to say a huge thank you to members of the public who have contacted us with information, we really do appreciate your help and support," he added.