18/03/2009

Two Bodies Found In Lake Search

Police searching for a missing florist and her disabled daughter have recovered two bodies, thought to be the pair, in the lake near their home.

Jude Richmond, 41, and her nine-year-old daughter Millie Whitehead-Richmond, who has cerebral palsy, were last seen Sunday evening at their home in South Cerney, Gloucestershire.

A specialist team of divers from a neighbouring police force found the bodies of a young girl and an adult female in a lake at the back of their home.

"Formal identification of the bodies in unlikely to be carried out until tomorrow however our sympathies are with Millie and Jude’s next of kin who have been informed of the discovery," a police spokesman said.

"The deaths are currently being unexplained and investigations are continuing."

Detectives are waiting to speak to Mrs Richmond's ex-partner Nick Richmond, who currently lives in New Zealand. It is understood he is flying to the UK.

Police were first alerted to the pair's disappearance by the family cleaner on Monday morning.

It is thought the 41-year-old, who ran a florist business with clients including royalty and celebrities, was vulnerable and possibly depressed.

(JM/BMcC)

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