The body of a 77-year-old who went missing from hospital yesterday evening (July13) has been found in a stream.

Maureen Read, who suffered from dementia, was being treated at Uckfield Community Hospital on Framfield Road.

She went missing from her ward around 6.10pm sparking a massive overnight search.

But her body was found in the Framfield Stream – just metres from the hospital – early this afternoon (July 14).

The death is not being regarded as suspicious and the Coroner's Officer has been informed.

Inspector Phil Hogan said: "The body has not yet been formally identified but in all the circumstances we must accept that it is almost certain to be that of Maureen.

“Her husband, who had just visited her, has been kept informed throughout and has been told of this tragic discovery.

"We would like to thank all who helped in the search, which was carried out in some very bad weather and in areas, including the waterway, that were difficult to access.

“As well as local police officers and PCSOs we had the help of many local people including the Neighbourhood Watch Volunteer Search Team as well as the force's Specialist Search Unit."

Pay your tributes to Maureen below or by emailing ben.james@theargus.co.uk.