Police searching for a missing 73-year-old woman have found a body near to a railway.

The body was found in searches for missing Judith Holliday who was last seen 14 days ago in the village of North Rigton near Harrogate.

A report was made at 12.22pm today (Saturday, September 10) and the railway was closed as a result.

Road closures were also put in place while emergency services worked at the scene.

Due to the location of the body,  British Transport is leading the investigation and will work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the death.

Although no formal identification has taken place, the 73-year-old’s family have been made aware and are currently being supported by police.

Ms Holliday had been missing since Saturday, August 27 and extensive multi-agency searches have been carried out in the effort to find her.

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A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: “We thank everyone who has supported the missing person inquiry.

“Our thoughts are with Judith’s family.”

Before the body was found today, Lucinda Edwards, Judith’s niece, thanked the community for their support in helping search for her.

She said: “We’re so grateful for the level of support our community has shown in our mission to locate Judith.

“Judith and anyone living with an illness like hers deserves to have this level of support and awareness to keep them safe.”

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