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Tributes pour in for Ann Barham-Clayton, of Barden Road in Tonbridge, whose body is believed to have been pulled from the River Medway

09:00, 02 October 2014

A body that was pulled from the River Medway has been formally identified as a 75-year-old woman who went missing from her home in Tonbridge.

Dozens of tributes flooded in on social media to Ann Barham Clayton, of Barden Road who was reported missing on Wednesday, September 22.

An appeal was released by the police asking the public for assistance after her family became concerned for her welfare.

Police were looking for 75-year-old Ann Barham-Clayton
Police were looking for 75-year-old Ann Barham-Clayton

There were reports of a police helicopter scouring the area she disappeared from, and officers on foot patrol searching for her.

A woman's body was pulled from the River Medway close to Haysden Country Park at 1.40pm on Thursday, September 25.

An investigation team was parked in the swimming pool car park following the discovery.

Kent Police has now confirmed that the body has been formally identified by a family liaison officer.

The death is not being treated as suspicious.

Dozens of tributes from members of the public have been left on a Facebook page.

A body was pulled from the River Medway near Haysden Country Park
A body was pulled from the River Medway near Haysden Country Park

Ann Phillip wrote: "How terribly sad to hear of Ann's death. I knew her as a girl and remember her as a pretty and cheerful person with lovely flaming red hair.

"What a tragic way to end her life and my thoughts are with her family and friends. Rest in peace Ann."

She has been described as a "friendly" and "lovely" lady and an "absolute poppet".

Jenny Jones said: "How very sad thinking of her husband, son and grandchildren at this sad time."

Vicky Bradley added: "So sad! Poor lady, but at this time sending thoughts out to her family!

"What an awful tragedy. Yet another life taken by the River Medway and its acts of Mother Nature."

An inquest is due to open in December.

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