MYSTERY DEEPENS: Police release final images of Christine Murton, just days before the 78-year-old woman was found p:ɑssed away under mysterious circumstances in the woods

Her car was discovered in a retail park car park last week

COPS have tragically discovered a body after an urgent hunt was launched to find a missing woman who vanished two weeks ago.

Concerns had been growing for Christine Murton, who disappeared after leaving her home in Ipswich, Suffolk, on November 12.

Christine Murton, a missing 78-year-old woman, smiling in a yellow cardigan.
Christine Murton disappeared after leaving her home in Ipswich, Suffolk, on November 12Credit: Suffolk Police
CCTV footage of Christine Murton, a 78-year-old missing woman, walking in a dark red jacket, gray pants, and dark shoes.
Before her mysterious disappearance, the pensioner was captured on CCTV walking a few streets awayCredit: Suffolk Police

Christine, 78, was reported missing in the evening after she was believed to have left her house in Rushmere St Andrew that morning.

Before her mysterious disappearance, the pensioner was captured on CCTV walking a few streets away from her home.

She was shown heading towards Decoy Wood, located on the outskirts of Ipswich, shortly after 2:45pm.

Her car, a blue Toyota Yaris, was then discovered at a retail park in the nearby Pinewood area, last Thursday.

And issuing a tragic update yesterday, Suffolk Police confirmed a body had been discovered in woodland close to Stratton Hall.

The force said formal identification was yet to take place but Christine’s family had been informed.

A statement read: “Police searching for missing Rushmere St Andrew woman Christine Murton have found a body.

“Christine, aged 78, is believed to have left her house in the morning of Wednesday 12 November and was reported as missing that evening.

“The body of a woman was discovered this afternoon, Monday 24 November, in woodland close to Stratton Hall, near Levington.

“The death is being treated as unexplained but there are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances.”

Detective Superintendent Tom Pearse previously said the constabulary was “extremely concerned” for her welfare.

He said: “This weekend we will be continuing and expanding our search operation to locate Christine.

“We continue to ask residents to check their gardens, their sheds and outbuildings and to look through any CCTV they may have.

“Every reported sighting is being investigated, and we remain grateful to the public, specialist groups and the media for their support.

“We remain extremely concerned for Christine’s welfare as she is vulnerable and could be confused.

“Any information anyone has on her whereabouts could be crucial in helping to find her.”

Christine Murton, a 78-year-old missing woman, smiling at the camera.
An urgent hunt was launched for ChristineCredit: Suffolk Police