THE body of missing Burnley mum Jane Payne has been found in a remote field.

And the farmer whose relative made the gruesome discovery at a Thursden Valley farm today spoke of his horror at the find.

Miss Payne, 29, who leaves a three-year-old daughter, was last seen leaving her home in Queen Victoria Road at 11pm on March 31 and heading towards Duke Bar.

Police have carried out a major investigation into her disappearance and arrested two 38-year-old men on the suspicion of murder last month.

However, officers were today unable to say whether Miss Payne's death was still being treated as murder.

A post mortem examination carried out yesterday proved inconclusive, although police said there were no signs of violence on her body.

Further toxicology tests were now being carried out in a bid to discover how she died.

Miss Payne's decomposed body was found by Aaron Bancroft at Boulsworth Farm on the outskirts of Briercliffe at 6pm on Saturday.

Farmer Richard Westall said he was out with a relative tending to sheep when heard about the discovery.

Mr Westall added: "I was with my brother-in law's nephew, Aaron Bancroft, who was helping me with lambing.

"He'd been round the sheep and when he came back I expected him to tell me maybe something was wrong with one of them.

"I was totally shocked when he told me he'd seen a dead girl. I went back up with him and saw her lying there.

"I was completely shocked at what I saw and contacted the police immediately."

Detective Superintendent Mick Gradwell, the officer leading the investigation into Miss Payne's death, said: "The body was badly decomposed so it may have been there for some time.

"We are making an appeal for witnesses to anyone who may have seen suspicious activities in the Thursden Valley area."

It is understood items of clothing, possibly a cardigan and a scarf belonging to Miss Payne, were found further up the hill towards the popular picnic area on Halifax Road.

Last month Miss Payne's family made a desperate appeal for her to get in touch through the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

Police said Miss Payne, who has connections to Burnley and Nelson, would work as a street vice-girl when she was short of cash.

Last week police divers scoured the canal and were searching empty homes for her.

Of the men arrested on suspicion of murder last month, one was released on bail and the other without charge.

Anybody with information should contact Burnley CID on 01282 425001.