A BODY has been found in the hunt for a British woman who went missing in Guatemala.

Catherine Shaw, from Witney, has been travelling since September last year and was reported missing on March 5.

The 23-year-old had been staying in the Lake Atitlan area of the central American country and was last seen by a friend the previous night.

UPDATE: Investigation into backpacker death after more details revealed 

The Lucie Blackman Trust, which is supporting Ms Shaw's family, said on Monday evening that a body had been found which is believed to be Ms Shaw's.

In a statement it added: "The Lucie Blackman Trust is saddened to announce that a body has been found in the search for Catherine Shaw.

"Formal identification has not taken place but the body is believed to be Catherine. Catherine's family have been informed. Please respect their privacy at this difficult time."

Oxford Mail:

Yesterday a jacket belonging to the backpacker was found during the search.

Oxford Mail:

The charity said Ms Shaw had left the Eco Hotel in Mayachik, near San Pedro and San Juan, on March 5 at 1.37am, but then returned at 3.19am.

She then left again for the last time at 5.23am, heading in the direction of the lake.

The trust said that at this point she had a puppy with her but no other possessions.

The puppy was later found alone, shivering at the highest lookout of Indian Nose, a volcano overlooking Lake Atitlan, San Pedro and San Juan between 5am and 6am on Friday morning, the trust said.

PEOPLE IN WITNEY HAVE REACTED TO THE NEWS OF HER DISAPPEARANCE 

A hand drum, known as a hang, previously reported to be in Ms Shaw's possession, was left behind and has been located, and she did not have a guitar with her when she left, the trust added.

It has also been confirmed that she did not have a tattoo on her ribs.

The search encountered many challenges including communication issues due to lack of power in the area.

Her father Tarquin Shaw, who issued a heartfelt video appeal alongside Ms Shaw's mother Ann, has already travelled to the Central American country and is due to meet with British Embassy officials.

Oxford Mail:

A Facebook page called 'Finding Catherine Shaw,' set up by friends involved in the search, has so far gathered 1,000 followers.

It issued a call for volunteer hikers to group at 7am this morning at the start of the Indian Nose trail, scrambling over challenging terrain in search of Ms Shaw.

Earlier Witney MP Robert Courts wrote on Facebook: "This is a dreadful story and my thoughts are with Catherine's family at what must be an immensely distressing time.