A BODY has been found in a car in Bournemouth in the search for missing Poole nurse Rui Li.

Detectives investigating the disappearance of the Poole nurse say the body is believed to be hers.

Her next of kin have been informed.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "At around 10.30pm on Friday, May 30, officers searching for 44-year-old Rui Li discovered a body concealed within a silver Fiat Punto, with the registration number of W887 PDL, along Verwood Crescent in Bournemouth.

"The body is believed to be Rui Li and her next of kin have been informed. Her Majesty’s Coroner has been made aware, although formal identification has not yet taken place."

Specialists are forensically examining the car and the surrounding area.

There were two large blue tents covering the car this morning at Verwood Crescent, which is near Wick, as well as three white forensics tents nearby.

The road was cordoned off and there were several police officers on the scene.

The road was expected to be closed until later this morning at the earliest.

Detectives are continuing to appeal for anyone who has any information about Rui Li’s movements after 6.17pm on Friday May 23

Detective Inspector Marcus Hester, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “This remains a very proactive investigation and we are still appealing for the public’s assistance.

“We now wish to speak with anyone who has any information about the silver Fiat Punto, W887 PDL.

"This car may have been seen in the area of Cromer Motors on St Clements Road and on or around Knyveton Road in Boscombe between Sunday May 25 and Wednesday 28

"We also believe that this vehicle travelled between Verwood and Hengistbury Head on Wednesday May 28

“We are also appealing for information about the movement of a large white Ford Transit van, Y491 GFT.

"We believe that this van may have been seen in and around the Cromer Motors site and also Burnham Drive between Saturday May 24 and Tuesday May 27.

“Anyone with any information about these vehicles should contact Dorset Police as soon as possible.”

Two Bournemouth men arrested on suspicion of murder, aged 26 and 60, are continuing to be questioned. These men are known to Rui Li and to each other.

Extensive forensic investigations continue on a number of addresses in the Bournemouth area.

They are Rui’s home at 30 Burnham Drive in Queens Park, Cromer Motors in St Clement’s Road,118 Wolverton Road and 31 Spring Road, all in Boscombe.

A number of vehicles have also been seized for forensic examination.

Anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 101 quoting Operation Timekeeper or incident log 258 of May 28 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.