A body has been found a in search for a missing woman from Blackburn.

Ioan Butnariu has been missing for more than a week since she was last seen on Saturday December 10, with a police search ensuing to try and find her with the help of other rescue agencies.

Officers this evening announced that the found the body of a woman in Higher Croft Wood off Roman Road earlier on Friday.

A Lancashire Police spokesperson said: “A body has sadly been found today, Friday, December 16, in the search for missing woman Ioan Butnariu.

“Ioan, 20, hadn't been seen since Saturday, December 10, after going missing in Blackburn.

“This morning the body of a woman was found in Higher Croft Wood off Roman Road.

“While the body is yet to be formally identified, it is believed to be Ioan.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file with be passed to the coroner in due course.

“Our thoughts are with Ioan’s family at this very sad and difficult time.

“We also want to thank those who helped in our search for Ioan, including Pennine Mountain Rescue, Bolton Mountain Rescue and Lancashire Fire and Rescue.”

A coroner will identity the cause of death in due course.