Body found after extensive search for missing Tracey Smith

Officers believe a body found deceased in a black vehicle is Tracey Smith, 57, who went missing on July 24.

The force said it was called by a member of the public on Wednesday (August 18), who noticed the car had come to rest in undergrowth down an embankment on the A172 at its junction with the A19 near the Cleveland Tontine.

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A spokesperson said: “Sadly, the sole occupant of the vehicle was found deceased inside.

“While formal identification is yet to take place, officers believe the deceased to be missing Tracey Smith, 57, from the Stokesley area.

“The road was closed and is expected to remain closed for some time.

“This is to allow investigators to examine the scene and to recover the vehicle. Due to the location of the vehicle, recovery is expected to take some time.

“Our thanks go to members of the public who responded to appeals for help to find Tracey, including the person who called in after noticing a vehicle in the undergrowth. 

“An investigation will be carried out to determine how the car came to leave the road.

“Our thoughts are with Tracey’s family and friends at this very sad time.”