A WOMAN in her 70s has died after swimming with friends in the River Avon. 

Police have said they were called at 4.50pm this afternoon after the woman couldn’t be found having entered the water at Cropthorne Mill in Fladbury, near Evesham.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service attended and an extensive search was carried out, which included the use of a police helicopter. 

Worcester News: SEARCH: The police helicopter used in the searchSEARCH: The police helicopter used in the search (Image: Evan Russell)

A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: "Sadly her body was recovered from the river shortly after 7.30pm this evening.

"There are no suspicious circumstances."

Superintendent Sue Thomas said: “This is a terribly sad incident and our thoughts are with the woman’s family and friends.

"Extensive searches were carried out in the water and the surrounding area after she was reported missing and we understand that the amount of emergency response may have caused some alarm in the area but we can confirm that the woman’s death is not being treated as suspicious.”