Body found near river in search for mum, 66, last seen outside Cotswolds hotel 10 days ago

NewsUK News THE body of a woman who was last spotted outside a hotel 10 days ago has been found near a river. Cops said Caroline Heininger, 66, was found dead near the River Windrush in Burford, Oxfordshire, on August 15. The body of a woman has tragically been found near the River Windrush in Oxfordshire Credit: Alamy Caroline Heininger went missing 10 days ago in Burford, Oxfordshire Credit: Facebook She was reported missing on August 5, after she was last seen on CCTV wearing beige trousers and a hoody outside Burford Lodge at about 5.30am. Police launched an immediate search, deploying 200 officers and sending out multiple helicopters. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! However, the rescue operation was brought to a tragic close yesterday after cops discovered a body thought to belong to Caroline near the river. A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “We have some very sad news to bring you. “Officers searching for a missing woman, Caroline from Burford, have sadly found a body near to the River Windrush, Burford this morning. “The discovery was made following extensive searches by our officers and volunteers from Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire.” They added that formal identification had not yet taken place, but the body was believed to belong to the 66-year-old. Her next of kin has been informed. Most read in The Sun They continued: “We would like to thank the community who came together to share the appeals for Caroline. “We would also like to thank Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire for their support in assisting our officers with searches since Caroline was reported missing.” Her death is currently being treated as unexplained but not suspicious. Hundreds of residents responded to the cops’ appeal, with locals organising search groups amongst themselves. Caroline’s family also released a message during the operation, wishing for her “safe return home”. They said: “We would like to express their deepest gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the search efforts so far and would encourage anyone who has information to come forward.” Since the tragic discovery, messages of condolences have been shared on social media.