POLICE are appealing for information after the body of a woman was found in the River Lea.

The body of Musonda Chimfwenbe, 20, of Roach Road, Bow, was recovered by police from the River Lea, just north of the Bow Flyover at 9am on Monday.

Miss Chimfwenbe had been reported missing to police by her family on December 13 after last being seen at her home address on December 10.

Miss Chimfwenbe has been staying with friends and was on her way home. Officers believe she walked down the towpath which runs alongside the River Lea just north of where the Docklands Light Railway bridge crosses the river.

How she fell into the water is under investigation.

Officers are particularly keen for anyone who may have seen her handbag on the towpath by the river from the evening of the December 12 to come forward and speak to them. The missing bag is light to mid brown in colour and made of faux leather.

Next of kin have been informed and a post mortem is scheduled to take place on Thursday.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Incident Room at Limehouse Police Station on 020 7275 4549 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.