POLICE searching for missing Zara Broughton have discovered a body.

A spokeswoman for Dorset Police said reports that a body had been found on the beach at Durdle Door were received at 2pm yesterday.

No formal identification has taken place but the body is believed to be that of the missing 28-year-old.

A spokeswoman for Dorset Police said: “At 2.01pm Dorset Police received a report that a body had been found on the beach at Durdle Door.

“The coroner has been informed but no formal identification has yet taken place.

“Officers attended and it is believed the body is that of 28-year-old Zara Broughton.”

Zara was last seen at an address in Wimborne on Thursday, May 30.

Her car, a black Renault Clio, was found at the Durdle Door campsite car park on Saturday, June 1. 

Family and friends urged members of the public for help in tracing the popular 28-year-old.

The coastguard rescue helicopter joined Dorset Police as officers worked round the clock in the hunt for Zara and spent the past few days scanning the coast from Bowleaze Cove to Lulworth.

Missing person posters were put up at car parks and beauty spots along the coast in a bid to trace Zara.

Zara did not have any money or her mobile phone with her when she disappeared and fears mounted for her safety as the days went by.

Zara’s sister Grace spoke of her anguish and used social media to urge friends and members of the public to help in the search for Zara.

She wrote: “My darling sister Zara has been missing since Thursday evening.

“We are all extremely worried for her safety and the longer she isn’t found the more worrying it becomes.”

Family members on the social networking site Facebook had also shared a link to a Dorset Echo story about Zara’s disappearance.

Officers from neighbouring forces with specialist knowledge also joined the search.

Following yesterday’s tragic discovery, Inspector Bob Jacobs of Dorset Police said: “Her family have asked for their privacy at this difficult time.”