A BODY found in a stream in Newport is that of a woman, police revealed yesterday.

But examinations are continuing today as experts try to establish the woman's identity.

The body, which was partially submerged in a stream on private farmland in Malpas, was discovered on Wednesday just half a mile from the home of missing pensioner Marie Veronica Reynolds (pictured).

Seventy-year-old Mrs Rey-nolds, known as Veronica, was reported missing on August 13, 2002 and no trace of her has been found since then.

In a statement yesterday, Gwent Police said: "Police can confirm that the body is that of a female, but they are unable to confirm at this stage the identity of the deceased. Inquiries are ongoing."

The statement added that the search for evidence on the farmland was expected to have been completed by the end of yesterday.

Inspector Paul Griffiths, of Bettws police section, said they were keeping "an open mind" as to whether the discovery was linked with Mrs Reynolds' disappearance.

Last night, residents on Hollybush Avenue, where Mrs Reynolds lived, said they were hoping the discovery of the body will eventually shed some light on the mystery of Mrs Reynolds' disappearance.

Margaret Leek, aged 59, who lives across the road from Mrs Reynolds' home, told the Argus: "At least we will know.

"It's been awful looking next door for 18 months and wondering what happened.

"We weren't close friends but I knew her to pass the time of day. "She kept herself to herself and she was very shy. It's the family I feel sorry for."

Jonathan Matthews, 29, a mechanical engineer from Hollybush Avenue, said: "We are all waiting to find out as we all knew the woman."