POLICE hunting for a missing Oxford woman say a body has been found.

As a result of planned co-ordinated searching, the woman was located in Hinksey Stream, off Kennington Road, shortly after 1pm yesterday by an Oxfordshire Lowland Search and Rescue volunteer, and was subsequently recovered.

Although formal identification is yet to take place, the body is believed to be that of missing 78-year-old Maja O’Brien.

It comes just days after her friend Carole Thorn asked the Oxford Mail to put out a fresh appeal this weekend.

Detective Inspector James Senior, of Oxford Force CID, said today: “Sadly the body of a woman, who we believe to be Maja O’Brien, has been located. Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers. Our thoughts remain with them.

Oxford Mail:

“I would like to thank everyone who assisted in the search for Maja, particularly those in the community who provided information, and Oxfordshire Lowland Search and Rescue volunteers who assisted our investigation.”

The death is currently being treated as unexplained but is not believed to be suspicious.

Read also: Man dies after Easter Sunday crash on M40

Maja O'Brien, 78, went missing after leaving her home in Wytham Street on the morning of Thursday, March 28.

Carole Thorn, who became friends with Ms O'Brien as her cleaner, told the Oxford Mail over the weekend: "It's very upsetting - I saw her the day before she disappeared and she was very happy with everything in her life.

"It's really sad, not understanding what has happened. I don't understand why nothing has been found, like her bike - somebody doesn't just disappear."