THE body of missing Swanage woman Elizabeth Agate has been found.

A major search operation on land and at sea was launched just after 2am this morning in Swanage when Elizabeth’s family reported her missing and raised concerns of her welfare.

Now, Dorset Police have confirmed that her body was found in the sea near to St Aldhelm’s Head just after 10.30am.

Police Inspector Neil Wood said: “At around 10.35am this morning the body of a woman was recovered by passing boats in the sea along the coast near to St Aldhelms Head.

“The body has been formally identified as that of missing Swanage woman Elizabeth Agate who went missing from her home on the evening of Monday 16 March 2015.

“Her next of kin and the coroner have been informed and officers are not treating her death as suspicious.

“Dorset Police would like to thank the public and the Coastguard for their assistance.”

Elizabeth was last seen by her family at around 9pm on Monday at her home in Rabling Road, in Swanage.

Police, coastguards and members of the RNLI launched a search shortly after 2am this morning off the coast of Swanage, after receiving reports that a vulnerable person was missing in the area.

The Coastguard helicopter was also involved in the search.

A report released by officers from Swanage RNLI said both lifeboats were requested at 3.40am today.

It reads: "The boats launched into calm seas, but with poor visibility and cold conditions.

"The D class inshore lifeboat (ILB) began searching the main beach and inshore areas towards Ballard Point while the Mersey class all weather lifeboat (ALB) made best speed to Old Harry to search back towards Ballard Point.

"Both Swanage and St Albans volunteer coastguard teams were also tasked and were searching various clifftop and beach locations in the area.

"Further lifeboat volunteer crew also searched within Durlston Bay on foot.

"With nothing found so far the ALB proceeded into Durlston Bay and searched the cliffline to Anvil Point while the ILB conducted further searches in Swanage Bay.

"Still with nothing found the search teams were stood down to prepare for the incident to be re-assessed at 7.30am."