HAMPSHIRE police searching for a missing woman say they have found a body.

Officers say the body of a woman has been found in Merstone, Isle of Wight.

Hampshire Police say formal idenfication is yet to take place.

However, they say they have now cancelled their appeal to find missing Shanklin woman, Charlotte Birch.

The 44 year old, also known as Charlotte Alder, has been missing since Wednesday afternoon when she left St Mary's Hospital.

Police, Wight SAR and the coastguard helicopter have been involved in the search over the last two days with the help of Charlotte's friends and family, alongside strangers from the Isle of Wight community.

A spokesperson from Hampshire Police said: "We have some sad news to share this evening.

"Our officers searching for missing Charlotte Birch can confirm that a body of a woman was found in Merstone, on the Isle of Wight, this evening (Friday)."

The formal identification procedure is ongoing but Charlotte's family have been informed of the discovery.

The death is not being treated as suspicious.

Charlotte's family and the police would like to thank everyone who has helped and supported the appeal in the last few days.