A body has been found in the search for a woman who was reported missing from Billericay.

An appeal was issued by Essex Police earlier this week for the public's help to find missing Laura Gresham, 43, with links across south Essex.

Now, the force has confirmed it has suspended its search as a woman's body was discovered near the Isle of Sheppey, in Kent.

A spokesman for the force said: "We have suspended our search for Laura Gresham, 43, who had been reported missing from Billericay.

"It follows the discovery of a woman’s body near the Isle of Sheppey in Kent.

"Formal identification has yet to take place, but Laura’s family have been informed and they are being supported by specially trained officers.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner."