A body has been discovered during the search for 23-year-old jogger Jenny Hall, who went missing last week, Durham Police have confirmed.
Jenny was last seen leaving her home in Barracks Farm, County Durham, shortly after 3pm on Tuesday, February 18, heading out in her car. After days of exhaustive searches, police announced on Sunday that a body had been found in a remote area of Teesdale just after 9:30am.
In a statement released earlier today, Durham Police said: “We’re sorry to report that officers searching for missing woman Jenny Hall have sadly found a body. Officers carried out an extensive search alongside specialist partners and have been working around the clock to locate Jenny after she went missing on February 18. The body was found in a very remote area in Teesdale just after 9.30am today.”
While formal identification has not yet been completed, Jenny’s family has been notified and is being supported by specialist officers. They have requested privacy during what police described as a “devastating time.”
No Suspicious Circumstances Reported
Durham Police confirmed that, at this stage, there are no indications of suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. A file is being prepared for the coroner, who will oversee the next steps in the investigation.
“It is not believed there are any suspicious circumstances, and a file will be prepared for the coroner,” the statement read.
Extensive Search Efforts
The discovery follows an intensive, multi-agency search that began immediately after Jenny was reported missing. Mountain rescue teams, specialist drones, sniffer dogs, and officers from HM Coastguard scoured areas including Hamsterley Forest and the surrounding Teesdale region.
Digital intelligence officers had also been analyzing Jenny’s mobile phone, smartwatch, and running apps in an effort to track her movements on the day she disappeared.
Jenny’s car, a red Ford Focus, was found parked near remote moorland between Eggleston and Stanhope on Wednesday, intensifying the search in that area.
Community Mourns
Jenny Hall was known locally as an avid long-distance runner, often exploring rural trails in the County Durham region. Her disappearance prompted an outpouring of concern from the community, with many residents volunteering to assist in the search.
Following today’s announcement, messages of condolence have been flooding social media, with friends and community members expressing their grief and support for Jenny’s family.
Local MP Sam Rushworth commented on the tragic news, saying, “This is heart-wrenching news. My deepest sympathies go out to Jenny’s family and friends. I want to thank all the emergency services and volunteers who dedicated their time to the search. The entire community stands with Jenny’s family during this incredibly difficult time.”
Support and Resources
In the wake of this tragedy, Durham Police are encouraging anyone struggling with the news to reach out for support. Local mental health services are available, and community centers are offering counseling sessions for those affected.
As the investigation concludes and the coroner reviews the findings, the community is left to mourn the loss of a young life cut tragically short.
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