A woman's body found hanging from a tree is believed to be that of missing Hilary Ball.

Walkers out enjoying the Boxing Day sunshine made the horrific find in Ashdown Forest, just two miles from Mrs Ball's home in Horsted Keynes, Haywards Heath.

It was discovered at a beauty spot called Hindleap, a mile from where Mrs Ball's car was discovered.

Police last night sealed off the area while forensic experts combed the scene for clues.

It appears like a suicide but murder squad detectives from the Sussex Police major crime branch were continuing to lead the investigation.

A formal identification and a post-mortem examination have still to be carried out.

Mrs Ball, a 53-year-old insurance worker, disappeared nearly two weeks ago with no medication for her depression and no belongings.

Her husband, Geoff Ball, a 46-year-old unemployed IT worker, was arrested on Tuesday last week on suspicion of murdering his wife.

He was later released without charge.

Specially-trained police from Wales and South Yorkshire joined 100 Sussex Police and volunteers in searching woods and fields near the couple's secluded home in Birch Grove Road.

Land around Birch Grove House in Chelwood Gate, the former home of the late prime minister Harold Macmillan, was also scoured.

Mrs Ball had been reported missing by colleagues when she failed to show up for work at an insurance company in Haywards Heath.

Her blue Toyota Yaris car, GX51 LXZ, was discovered on a path from Birch Grove Road, Horsted Keynes, close to Ashdown Forest Cricket Club.

Anyone who saw Mrs Ball's car or with any other information should contact the Operation Elphin incident room on 0845 6070999.

Mr and Mrs Ball were married in 1985 having been together since 1979.

Yesterday's discovery stunned residents in the normally quiet village of Horsted Keynes.

They had been praying Mrs Ball would be found alive.

Many friends were reluctant to speak but one, Bill Wood, spoke of his regard for Mr and Mrs Ball.

Mr Wood, a 72-year-old widower, was the last friend to speak to Mrs Ball before she disappeared.

He said: "I'm very upset. She was a very nice, friendly woman, very smiley, happy and charming."

Mr Wood said Mr and Mrs Ball seemed a devoted couple and added: "I miss Hilary terribly."