The Bishop of Newcastle has spoken of a "deep sense of loss" after a body, believed to be that of a missing hospital chaplain was found.

Northumbria Police said formal identification of the body had yet to be carried out, but it is believed to be that of Rev Katherine Watson who went missing on Thursday.

The 50 year old, who worked as the head of chaplaincy at Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was well known in the community after appearing in the TV show Geordie Hospital along with her welfare dog, Poppy.

In a joint statement the Bishop of Newcastle Rt Rev Dr Helen-Ann Hartley and the Bishop of Berwick Rt Rev Mark Wroe said:

“It is with a profound sense of sadness and grief that we received the news about Katie, and our first thoughts are with her partner Emily and their children and all who knew and loved Katie. From her much valued work as a hospital chaplain, which reached beyond the bounds of the North East, to her many colleagues from her past career, and the sporting and running communities she was a part of, to all of us here in the Diocese of Newcastle, we mourn her death with a deep feeling of loss. Katie was ordained deacon in 2020 and lived out her vocation in service, compassion, and humility. There is much more that we want to say but for now we express our grief and our love and prayers to Katie’s family, friends, and colleagues.”

Police and her family had grown increasingly concerned for Rev Watson’s welfare after she was last seen in Newcastle on Thursday afternoon. Police said a body was discovered in the Jesmond Dene area of the city and described it as "an incredibly sad outcome".