Gaynor Lord inquest confirms body found in river was missing mother-of-three

A body that was found in the River Wensum in Norwich on Friday has been formally identified as missing mother-of-three Gaynor Lord. 

Norfolk Police said the 55-year-old was identified on Sunday, subject to formal inquest proceedings taking place.

Mrs Lord vanished on Friday December 8 after she was seen leaving work early and rushing through the streets of Norwich. A post-mortem examination by the Home Office also found 'no indications of any third-party involvement'.

A statement from Norfolk Police reads: 'Specialist divers have found the body of a female in the River Wensum after a detailed and methodical search over the past few days.

'While we establish her identity, our thoughts are with Gaynor's family at this difficult and distressing time. We have specialist family liaison officers supporting the family and keeping them updated with what we are doing at all stages.'

The married mother-of-three left work on Friday afternoon, hurried through the city centre, called her friend twice and spent over 30 minutes at Norwich Cathedral in a series of events which police described as 'out of character'. 

On Friday morning, Norfolk Police confirmed that a body had been recovered from the River Wensum.

The police force spent several days scouring the River Wensum and Wensum Park, where Mrs Lord's belongings were found seven days ago, using specialist divers, underwater drones and sonar equipment.

Yesterday, Mrs Lord's husband, Clive, told friends that he is 'totally lost' and can't work out what happened after his wife vanished.

A family friend, who was speaking before Mrs Lord's body was discovered, told The Times that Mrs Lord's loved ones were 'distraught' by the disappearance.

'Clive [Mrs Lord's husband] is understandably totally lost, and doesn't understand at all what's happened,' they said.

Julie Muddel, who is married to Mrs Lord's first husband Paul, said: 'My stepson told me Gaynor was the best she had been for a long time. She loved her job, she absolutely loved it. She was making new friends, and she was the happiest she'd been for a long time.'

Mrs Lord's daughter, Charlotte Lord, 24, had also been sharing police appeals on social media, including when a body was found.

After the clothing brand owner shared the devastating news, friends were quick to offer their support, with one writing: 'I am so sorry to read this Charlotte. Have been thinking of you and your family non-stop the last few days.'

A second said: 'No words. Just so sorry and sending much love to you and your family.'

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.