A massive search for a missing woman last seen walking towards a forest has ended in tragedy after police said they found a body.

Joanne Jones, 49, wore walking boots, a dark green raincoat and a backpack as she headed up a steep road towards a stunning forest on Monday morning, but failed to return home.

A massive search was launched, involving helicopters, police dogs, drones and mountain rescue experts, and dozens of volunteers scoured fields and woods looking for Ms Jones.

But police said they had found the body of a woman and that Ms Jones’ family had been informed.

South Wales Police said: “Police officers searching for Joanne Jones, 49, who has been missing from her home since Monday, have found the body of a woman.

“Formal identification has not yet taken place. Ms Jones’ family and HM Coroner have been informed. We thank the local community for all their help.

She was seen walking along Graigwen Road, which connects the market town of Pontypridd in south Wales to St Gwynno’s Forest near Llanwonno.