The body of a woman, thought to be missing pensioner Jill Barnes, has been discovered on a beach.

Sussex Police said her body was discovered in the rock groynes at Beach Green, Lancing, at 10am on Saturday (28 November). Her body has now been recovered by emergency services.

Although the body has not been formally identified, it believed to be that of missing Sompting woman Jill Barnes, 72.

Jill was last seen at her home in Western Road, Sompting, on Monday night (23 November). An extensive search of the area was carried out by police, the police helicopter, coastguard, the fire brigade and search volunteers.

Due to the high tide and its position, emergency services were unable to remove Jill's body when it was found this morning but they worked in difficult weather conditions at low tide this afternoon to recover her.

Police are not treating her death as suspicious and the coroner's officer is dealing with it.

Inspector Roy Hodder said: "Obviously this is not the outcome we were hoping for. We are supporting Jill's family at this difficult time and they have been asked they be left alone to grieve in peace."