Police believe a body found in the River Tees is that of 80-year-old Gloria Clarke, who has been missing from her home in Eaglescliffe since New Year’s Eve 2023.

Mrs. Clarke was last seen leaving her Meadowfield Drive home at 05:45 GMT on 31 December 2023. Subsequent CCTV footage appeared to show a woman matching her description entering the water at Yarm.

A major search operation was launched by Cleveland Police, who were joined by Cleveland Fire Brigade, Tees River Rescue, and the Northumbria Police marine unit. The search involved boats, divers, drones, and search dogs.

The body of a woman was recovered from the river near Surtees Bridge in Thornaby shortly after 19:00 GMT on Monday 18 March.

Formal identification pending

A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: “Officers were called shortly after 19:00 GMT on Monday 18 March after the body of a woman was found in the River Tees near Surtees Bridge in Stockton. While formal identification is yet to take place, the family of missing 80-year-old Gloria Clarke from Yarm has been informed. They are being supported by specially trained officers. Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.”

A spokesperson for Cleveland Fire Brigade added: “On Monday 18th March at 19:21pm our Fire Control received a 999 call to assist Cleveland Police with an incident in the River Tees near to the Surtees Bridge in Stockton. Four fire engines were dispatched from Stockton and Thornaby and our Water Rescue crews sadly recovered the body of a woman from the river. Our thoughts remain with the woman’s family at this incredibly difficult time.”