Body found in search for missing 81-year-old Sunderland woman
Cecilia was last seen in Fulwell yesterday morning and discovered in South Hylton today (20/12)
A body believed to be missing Sunderland woman Cecilia, who was 81, has been found.
She was last seen in Fulwell on Friday morning and discovered in South Hylton today (20/12).
Police say her family have been told and there are no suspicious circumstances.
In a statement, officers said: "A body has sadly been found in the search for missing Sunderland woman Cecilia.
"The 81-year-old was reported missing to Northumbria Police after last being seen in the Cairns Square area of Fulwell at around 7.30am yesterday (Friday, December 19).
"Since then, extensive enquiries have been carried out by officers to locate Cecila – who is from the Fulwell area.
"Tragically, during those searches a body was discovered in the Claxheugh Rock area of South Hylton, today.
"While formal identification is yet to take place, it is believed to be Cecilia and her next of kin have been informed.
"They are being supported by officers at this difficult time.
"Police do not believe there to be any third-party involvement, and a report will now be prepared for the coroner."
'The support of our community does not go unnoticed'
Inspector Trevor Whitehead, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is of course a very sad conclusion in our searches to find Cecilia, and certainly not the outcome we wanted to share.
“First and foremost, our thoughts firmly remain with all of Cecilia’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.
“We will continue to support them in any way we can and would ask that their privacy continues to be respected.”
Inspector Whitehead added: “I would like to thank everyone who shared our appeals to locate Cecilia and especially those who contacted us with information.
“The support of our community does not go unnoticed.”