Police have launched an investigation after the body of an elderly woman was pulled from a river in the Norfolk Broads on New Year's Day.
Discovery and Emergency Response
Suffolk Police were called to The Quay in Beccles at just after 8am on Thursday, 1 January, following a report from a member of the public. The caller stated a woman was in the River Waveney under the bridge near the picturesque Beccles Marshes.
Emergency services, including ambulance crews, attended the scene and recovered the woman from the water. She was confirmed deceased at the location. The woman is described as white, believed to be aged between 60 and 70, of petite build, with short curly brown or copper hair.
Appeal for Information to Identify Woman
Authorities have not yet been able to identify the woman and are urgently appealing to the public for help. Detectives are keen to establish her final movements and are asking anyone who may have seen a woman matching the description in the vicinity of The Quay prior to 8am on New Year's Day to come forward.
She was reportedly wearing a cream cardigan, blue top, white jeans, and white boots. She may also have been carrying a pink coat, a torch, and an umbrella.
A police spokesperson said: 'The death is currently being treated as unexplained, but there is currently no evidence to suggest it is suspicious. The Coroner has been notified.'
Scene Cordoned Off for Investigation
The area remains cordoned off as inquiries continue. Witnesses reported seeing three police cars and a forensics van at the riverside, with police tape stretched across sections of a footpath.
One fisherman who arrived at the water at around 7.30am described the scene. 'They brought a body out of the river this morning,' he said. '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.'
A boatowner also confirmed that the woman's body was found in the water right next to their vessel.
Anyone with information is asked to contact East CID at Lowestoft Police Station, quoting reference CAD 135 of 1 January.
