THE body of an elderly woman has been found in a North Yorkshire river.

A member of the public found the woman’s body in the River Nidd, close to the viaduct near Mother Shipton’s Cave, at about 8.50am today.

Police are looking for anyone who can help identify the woman, but said there were not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.

The woman is described as white, about 5ft 2in tall with a medium to heavy build and grey hair. She was wearing a cream cardigan, a white t-shirt with a black flower on it, black trousers and shiny black shoes, and also had gold earrings and gold rings on. Officers also found a black coat with a leopard print collar by the side of the river.

Detective Sergeant Dave Horne, of Harrogate CID, said: “If you recognise the description of the woman, I urge you to come forward as a matter of urgency.

“I am particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have noticed that a relative or neighbour has not been seen recently and ask them to get in touch. I also need to speak to anyone who was in the area near the River Nidd, prior to the body being located, so that I can understand how the woman came to be in the river.”

Anyone with information should contact Harrogate CID on 101, email dave.horne@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk of phone Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.