The force said a body was found in a very remote area in Teesdale on Sunday morning and there are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances.

While formal identification has not yet taken place, Ms Hall’s family have been notified and are being supported by specialist officers, the force added.

Jenny Hall, 23, was last seen leaving her home in Tow Law, County Durham, just after 3pm on Tuesday.

Her car, a red Ford Focus, was found on Wednesday parked on the B6278, near remote moorland between Eggleston and Stanhope.

Police officers, mountain rescue teams, sniffer dogs and HM Coastguard air support are involved in the search, which has covered 100 miles.