THE body of a young missing woman has been found in Buckfastleigh just hours after she was reported missing.

Police were alerted about concerns for a 26-year-old woman from the town yesterday at 7am.

Later in the morning a body was found in local woods by a retired GP out for a walk.

Police had been searching for the woman, including a police helicopter crew from Exeter.

South Devon coroner Ian Arrow has been informed of the death which is not being treated as suspicious.

The body was taken from the scene to Torbay Hospital.

An inquest is expected to be opened for identity purposes later this week.