POLICE have confirmed  that the body found in Southampton is that of missing mum Charlene McCluskey.

The tragic discovery was made last night by specialist search teams in dense woodland near to Southampton Common, just off the Avenue.

It came exactly a week after the barmaid vanished after she left work last Wednesday evening.

Police launched a major search for the 29-year-old mum-of-two after she called 101 in a distressed state, leaving them concerned for her welfare.

She was last seen by a good Samaritan in Gordon Avenue in the early hours of Thursday morning, but when he offered her help, she refused.

Formal identification has now been made and her family have been informed that the body found was Charlene.

Her death is not being treated as suspicious and a file has been passed to the coroner.

Det con Simon Baker said:  "It is with regret that we can now confirm that Charlene has been found dead. Our thoughts are with her family. 

"The death is not being treated as suspicious and we are preparing a file for the coroner. 

"I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who called in with information in response to our appeal or who assisted with our search for Charlene."