The body of a woman – believed to be that of a missing 54-year-old from Lincolnshire, was found washed up on the beach at Minsmere this morning.

Suffolk police were called to the beach by Minsmere Nature Reserve at around 9.50am this morning after it was reported by an RSPB member.

A Suffolk police spokesman said: “Formal identification of the female body is due to take place, but the body is believed to be that of 54-year-old Carol Smalley, reported missing from Lincolnshire on Wednesday 3 January.”

Her family’s next of kin have been informed.

Officers are not treating her death as suspicious, and a file is being prepared for the coroner.

Lifeboat and coastguard teams were out along the Norfolk and Suffolk coastline last week as part of search efforts for her, as she was believed to have been staying in Great Yarmouth.

Clothes and a bag were found on the beach there.