Body found in search for missing Oxford journalist Florence Waters

Thames Valley Police said the body, believed to be that of the Daily Telegraph writer, was found on land near Oxford Road, Thame yesterday evening. 

A search for the 33-year-old was launched on Monday after she went missing from a house in East Street, Osney, at around 9am.

Very sad to learn of the loss of Florence Waters, a fantastic volunteer with kindness and calm at the heart of her work. All here at parasol, staff and young people, will miss her dearly - our thoughts are with her family#florencewaters

— ParasolProject (@info_parasol) November 23, 2018

Formal identification is yet to take place but the force has informed Ms Waters' next of kin and they are being supported by specially trained officers at this time.

The death is not believed to be suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.

An accomplished artist, some of Ms Waters' paintings had appeared on the Saatchi Art website.

She had been the online arts editor for the Daily Telegraph before becoming a freelance contributor, writing about films, books and the arts.

The newspaper paid tribute to her in a tweet this morning saying staff were 'deeply saddended' by the loss and shared a link to her archive of work. 

Friends and colleagues have also taken to social media leave tributes upon hearing the news. 

This is the very last update I wanted to write. Thank you to everyone who helped to spread the word. Our hearts go out to all who loved her. May her memory be a blessing.https://t.co/GaCcJqCPCk

— Anne Richards (@annerichardsDRC) November 23, 2018

So sad to hear this. https://t.co/aQSuVVZ8LU

— Katy Barrow-Grint (@ktbg1) November 23, 2018

Neighbours on the quiet riverside street where she lived have expressed shock at the 'tragic' events.

One resident told the Oxford Mail that he recognised Ms Waters from a photo and had seen her in the local pub.

She added: "I was so sorry to hear it, she was so young." 

Another said it was an 'awful situation' and 'such a shock' to hear the news. 

Thank you to all who spread the word. My heart goes out to her family. So sad. Missing woman Florence Waters - Update - Thames Valley Police https://t.co/K3x2ISrpxR

— Philippa Anderson (@PhilippaAnde) November 23, 2018

Rest in Peace Florence Waters. Fantastic journalist. #florencewaters

— Ben O'Hare (@manxben4) November 23, 2018

So, so sad to learn of the death of @florencewaters, who was such a huge help to me when I started at @ChristiesInc and wrote so many wonderful, insightful pieces. Just terrible. RIP Florence x

— Dan Davies (@MrDanDavies) November 23, 2018