Dorset Police find body in search for missing Blandford woman

80-year-old Venetia Smith was reported missing when she was found not to be at home

Author: Sophie CridlandPublished 7th Dec 2021
Last updated 8th Dec 2021

Officers searching for a missing woman from Blandford have very sadly located a body.

Dorset Police received a report at around 11am on Tuesday 7 December 2021 raising concern for the welfare of 80-year-old Venetia Smith.

Very sadly, at around 3pm officers located the body of a woman in the river near to Langton Road.

Although formal identification has not yet taken place, it is believed to be that of Venetia. Her family has been made aware of the sad news.

The death is not being treated as suspicious and HM Coroner has been informed.

Chief Inspector Matt Baxter, of Dorset Police, said: “Our thoughts remain with Venetia’s family and friends at this very difficult time.

“We would like to thank everyone who shared our appeals, as well as the partner agencies who assisted us with our searches.”

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