A COMMUNITY is in shock after a body found in Darwen on Wednesday was confirmed to be that of missing woman Sandra Chadwick.

Police were called at around 8.40am after a person saw a body in water close to Union Street.

The body was recovered in Alum House Brook, just off Union Street, in Darwen town centre, near Darwen Fire Station and not far from the Asda supermarket.

Police said on Saturday the body was that of the missing 64-year-old.

Mrs Chadwick had been missing for almost two months, since January 12, after last being seen at her home address on Hilton Road in Darwen.

Constance Chadwick, 86, of nearby Ashton Road, and the ex-mother-in-law of Mrs Chadwick, described her as a quiet woman who kept herself to herself.

She said: “I’m very shocked and saddened by what’s happened.

“Sandra was a very quiet woman who kept herself to herself.

“She had been married to my eldest son John and they had three children together.

“I’ve known her for a number of years.”

Another neighbour, who preferred not to be named, said: “I’d only met Sandra twice but she was a quiet woman.

“It’s a shock and really sad what’s happened. My thoughts are with her family.”

Roy Davies, mayor of Darwen Town Council and Darwen East Liberal Democrat councillor, offered his condolences to Mrs Chadwick’s family.

Cllr Davies said: “It’s very sad what’s happened and my thoughts and condolences go out to Sandra’s family.”

Mrs Chadwick’s family had made an emotional plea for her to come home last month.

In a statement, the family said at the time: “Mum, it’s been nearly four weeks now since you’ve been gone, there is nothing we can’t sort out as a family.

“Please just come home, we all love you very much and we need our mum with our family.

“If you see this message, please just get in contact with someone. All our love, your three loving sons.”

Mrs Chadwick’s death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for HM Coroner.

Her family has been notified and are being offered support.

A police spokesman said: “Our thoughts are with them, along with her friends, at this extremely sad and difficult time. Thank you to each and every one of you who took the time to share our appeals during the time Sandra was missing.”