DETECTIVES trying to identify a woman who was found dead in a North Yorkshire river have released images of the jewellery she was wearing.

The body of the elderly woman was found in the River Nidd at Knaresborough at about 8.50am on Wednesday, close to Mother Shipton’s Cave.

She 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. Following a search of the area, officers found a black coat with a leopard print collar by the side of the river.

The jewellery the woman was wearing is a pair of gold earrings, a gold chain with a pendant and three rings, two of which are set with stones. The plain gold band has the word “sweetheart” engraved on the inside.

Detective Inspector Pete Martin, of Harrogate CID, said: “If you recognise any of the jewellery and can identify who it belongs to, I urge you to contact the police immediately so that we can inform her family about this sad incident. As it is possible that the woman may have travelled from outside the Knaresborough area, I am asking everyone to look at the images in case they recognise them.”

Police believe that the death is not suspicious and are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

Anyone with information should contact Harrogate police on 101 or email dave.horne@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk