UPDATE: Police confirm missing Barbara has died

This evening, Louth Police announced: “We would like to thank everyone who helped to try and find Barbara from Holton le Clay yesterday.

“Sadly we can confirm that Barbara has been found in South Yorkshire but unfortunately not in the circumstances we had hoped and wished for.

“The family have asked that we pass on their thanks and sincere gratitude to the community for their time and the efforts that were made in trying to find her.

“They now politely ask they be left alone to grieve their loss. Thank you.”

The tragic news comes after Barbara was reported missing from her home on Monday morning, having not been seen in the village for several hours.

Dozens of tributes have been posted by well-wishers on the Louth Police social media channels following the sad announcement this evening.