Body found in hunt for missing make-up artist

THE family of missing TV make-up artist Diane Chenery-Wickens have been told that a body has been found in woodland.

A woman walking her dog discovered the decomposed corpse near Uckfield, East Sussex, just before 10am yesterday. It was concealed in undergrowth.

Investigations were continuing to determine whether the body is that of 48-year-old Mrs Chenery-Wickens, who was reported missing earlier this year.

A police spokesman said: "Diane Chenery-Wickens' family are being kept aware of developments, but it has been made clear to them that the body may or may not be her."

Forensic and post-mortem examinations will establish the identity and cause of death.

Mrs Chenery-Wickens, who won an Emmy award in 2000, worked on programmes including Dead Ringers, The League Of Gentlemen and Casualty. She was reported missing by her husband, David, 51, on 24 January, after she failed to attend a meeting at the BBC.

Mr Chenery-Wickens was later arrested on suspicion of her murder and released on police bail.