Police are investigating after the body of a woman was pulled from a river in a Norfolk market town on New Year's Day, with officers describing the death as "unexplained".
Grim Discovery at Riverside Beauty Spot
The incident unfolded early on Thursday, 1 January, when a member of the public made the grim discovery while walking beside the River Waveney at The Quay in Beccles. They immediately alerted the authorities.
Emergency services, including police, fire crews, and ambulance personnel, swiftly descended on the popular beauty spot, which was sealed off with police tape. A forensic van and several police cars remained at the scene throughout the day as investigations continued.
Police Appeal for Information on Woman's Final Movements
In a full statement, Norfolk Police confirmed they were called at just after 8am to reports of a woman in the river under the bridge. Ambulance crews recovered her from the water, where she was pronounced deceased.
The force has not yet been able to identify the woman and is urgently appealing to the public for help. Detectives are trying to establish her final movements and are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen a woman matching a specific description in the area prior to 8am on New Year's Day.
She is described as white, aged between 60 and 70, of petite build, with short curly brown or copper hair. She was wearing a cream cardigan, blue top, white jeans, and white boots, and may have been carrying a pink coat, a torch, and an umbrella.
While the death is being treated as unexplained, police stated there is currently no evidence to suggest it is suspicious. The coroner has been notified.
Community Reaction and Scene Described
The shocking discovery has cast a pall over the picturesque town. Tributes and messages of condolence from local residents, many of whom did not know the woman, have been shared online.
One Facebook post read, "Sending love and deepest condolences to all affected, may they find strength," while another simply stated, "That is so sad. Condolences to the family. How heartbreaking."
Witnesses at the scene described the police activity. One man who had arrived to go fishing said, "We got here at about 7.30am, and there was everything here - police, fire engines and ambulances. Then, later on, they put the police tape up, and they're not letting anyone through."
Another angler who arrived later said his thoughts were with the woman's family, highlighting the sombre mood that replaced the usual New Year's Day tranquillity at the riverside location.
Norfolk Police's investigation continues as they work to piece together the circumstances leading to this tragic start to the new year in Beccles.
