An inquest has opened into the tragic death of a Powys woman who was found in a river after she was reported missing from her home.

Police issued an appeal to help find 61-year-old Sally George who had been last seen at around 1.30pm in Llanwrtyd Wells, between Builth Wells and Llandovery, on Monday, November 18. Her body was discovered in the River Ithon shortly after 11.30pm.

The inquest, held at the Coroner's Court in Pontypridd on Tuesday (December 3), heard that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding Mrs George's death but the cause was pending further investigations.

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Senior coroner Graeme Hughes was told that Mrs George, who was reported to suffer with her mental health, left her handbag and mobile phone at her home in Llanwrtyd Wells, and was only believed to be in possession of a bank card. Mrs George was seen in the community and money was spent on her bank card between 1.30pm and 4.30pm.

The inquest heard that a body matching the description and clothing worn by Mrs George was later found in the river at around 11.34pm.

At around 1.30am on Tuesday, November 19, Dyfed-Powys Police cancelled their missing person appeal after the discovery of the body, adding that Mrs George's family had been informed about the development and that "our thoughts are with them at this difficult time".

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Senior coroner Graeme Hughes told the hearing that because there was no medical cause of death surrounding Mrs George's death and the circumstances, there was reason to suspect that her death was unnatural.

He added that there was a duty to continue the investigation and conclude with an inquest which he opened on Tuesday.

Mr Hughes adjourned the hearing before passing on his condolences to Mrs George's family.

Helplines

If you would like any help about mental wellbeing, here are some helpline numbers:

You can call the Samaritans on 116 123

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) on 0800 58 58 58