THE BODY of a woman has been found on the bank of a river in the Yorkshire Dales.

Emergency services were called yesterday (Thursday, Jan 31) afternoon to a spot close to Starbotton, near Kettlewell, on the B6160, two miles from the Bluebell Inn pub.

Police said Upper Wharfdale Search and Rescue assisted with the rescue and a local farmer helped ambulance crews across the river because there was no vehicle access to the side where the woman was found.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: “North Yorkshire Police were alerted by the ambulance service after the body of a 58-year-old woman was discovered on a riverside path, between Kettlewell and Starbotton in the Skipton area, at about 3.24pm yesterday.

“The woman, who is from the local area, had been reported missing by her concerned family at teatime on Wednesday. (January 30) “Extensive police enquiries and searches, with assistance from fell rescue, have been conducted to locate the woman.

“Sadly, she was found deceased on the far side of the river adjacent to the B6160.

“Next of kin are being informed about the sudden death, which is not being treated as suspicious.

“We are not in a position to identify the woman at this stage.”