A large-scale police search for a missing woman ended yesterday morning with the discovery of a body in a lake.

The operation started after a Hingham woman in her 70s was reported missing at about 7.45am on Sunday.

She had last been seen at about 10pm the previous night.

A number of police units were sent to the area to conduct a ground search, and carry out local inquiries.

A police helicopter was also called into action, searching the area from the air.

The emergency services found the body of a woman in water off Attleborough Road at about 11am.

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service helped to recover the body.

Police said that, subject to formal identification procedures, it was believed to be the body of the woman who was reported missing earlier that day.

Police said that her death was not being treated as suspicious.

The woman's family has been informed.

Her name has not been released, and police said a file would be prepared for the coroner.

An inquest will open in due course, where her identity will be formally confirmed.