A BODY believed to be that of missing Christchurch woman Sarah Moore was recovered from the sea at Mudeford Quay.

Dorset Police said while the body has yet to be formally identified, they believe it to be that of Sarah.

Her family has been informed and is being supported by officers.

Sarah, 54, had been reported missing at 9.31am on Wednesday, December 11, having last been seen at her family home on the evening of Monday, December 9.

A statement issued by Dorset Police said at 1.54pm on Christmas Eve the force received a report from the ambulance service that a body had been recovered from the water at Mudeford Quay.

Chief Inspector Danny Thompson, of Dorset Police, said: “Our thoughts are with Sarah's family at what must be an incredibly difficult time for them, especially given the time of year.

“We would like to thank all those who assisted with searches and shared our appeals over recent days.”

As previously reported, a huge search was launched, with police officers, NPAS helicopter crew and search and rescue volunteers scouring areas of the town for Sarah.

Members of the public organised their own searches for her. Official searches involving Wessex 4x4 Response and Dorset Search and Rescue, as well as the NPAS helicopter, took place in the St Catherine's Hill area.