UK police find body in hunt for missing mother and newborn

Police investigating the disappearance of a new mother and her four-day-old baby from hospital have found a body in a gorge, they said tonight.

The family of Charlotte Bevan, 30, who vanished from Bristol Maternity Hospital last night with her daughter, Zaani Tiana, have been informed of the find in the nearby Avon Gorge, Avon and Somerset Police said.

Charlotte has not been seen since leaving the maternity unit, with CCTV footage showing her leaving coatless and carrying Zaani wrapped in just a blanket.

In a statement, Avon and Somerset Police said: “We can confirm that the body of a woman has been found in the Avon Gorge in Bristol this evening. Formal identification will not take place until tomorrow.

“The family of Charlotte Bevan, who was reported missing last night, have been informed of this development.

“The police helicopter remains in the area to assist the continuing searches by police officers on the ground.”