THE body of a woman was discovered in a field in the early hours of this morning.

The discovery was made at Lyminster, near Littlehampton, at about 2.15am.

Although she has not been formally identified, it is believed to be that of missing Irene Owen, 84, from Wick.

Mrs Owen was last seen leaving her address in Penarth Gardens on Friday afternoon at around 4pm.

An extensive search of the area was carried out by officers, the police helicopter and search volunteers.

Police are not treating her death as suspicious and the coroner's officer has been informed.

Inspector Nick Bowman said: "This is sadly not the outcome that we were hoping for but we are now supporting Irene's family at this very difficult time."