New clues about body on farm

Veronica Reynolds has been missing since August 2002

Police investigating the disappearance of a pensioner from south Wales have confirmed that a body found near her home earlier this week was that of a woman.

But officers cannot confirm the identity of the dead woman without the results of further tests.

The body was discovered on Tuesday about a mile from the home of 70-year-old Veronica Reynolds, who disappeared from her home in Malpas, Newport, in August 2002.

A farm owner found a body submerged in water on his land at 1430GMT on Tuesday.

Gwent Police have been conducting a detailed forensic examination of the site where the body was found. The body was taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.

Arrested

Officers had earlier said they were keeping an open mind about the discovery and whether it was linked with Mrs Reynolds's disappearance 18 months ago.

Mrs Reynolds was described as active for her age by police following her disappearance.

A man was arrested in connection with Mrs Reynolds' disappearance in August 2003, but no charges were brought against him.

Samples are due to be sent away to a laboratory on Friday with the results expected late weekend or early next week.

No other significant findings have been made at the site, and the search at the farm is due to end later on Thursday.