A BODY recovered from the River Tyne has been officially identified as missing Ponteland woman, Sally Allan. 

Police found the body in water near to Riverside Quay at Tynedock West in South Shields at just after 1pm on Wednesday. 

Divers have been searching stretches of the river since the 59-year-old mum and grandmother went missing from her home in Darras Hall at 3am on Boxing Day. 

Three hours later, CCTV footage showed the last confirmed sighting of Mrs Allan walking along Newcastle's Quayside under the Swing Bridge. 

Northumbria Police have now confirmed that the body found in the River Tyne is that of Sally Allan.

A report has been prepared for the coroner. 

A spokesperson from Northumbria Police said: "Our thoughts continue to be with the family at this difficult time."