AN investigation has been launched after the body of an elderly woman was recovered from a North Yorkshire river, close to a popular attraction, earlier today (Wednesday, November 4).

The body was found in the River Nidd in the centre of Knaresborough, near the viaduct close to Mother Shipton’s Cave, at about 8.50am.

However although the enquiry is still at a very early stage, officers say there is nothing to suggest there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.

The dead woman has yet to be identified and police are urging the public to contact them if they have information which could help.

She was 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. The woman also had gold earrings and gold rings on.

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

Detective Sergeant Dave Horne 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.”

He added: “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.”

Contact Harrogate CID on 101, select option two and ask for Dave Horne.

Alternatively, information can be emailed to dave.horne@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555-111.