POLICE searching for missing Irvine woman Natalie Kelly have found a body.

A large-scale operation was launched to find the 53-year-old after she was reported missing in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Officers confirmed on Sunday morning that the body of a woman was discovered in the Pladda Avenue area of Irvine.

Natalie Kelly was last seen at her home on Campsie Way in the town around 1.30 am.

A policespokesperson said: "Around 9.40am on Sunday, 3 October, 2021, the body of a woman was discovered in the Pladda Avenue area of Irvine.

"The deceased has been identified as Natalie Kelly, who had been reported missing from the area.

"Her relatives are aware.

"Natalie’s family and Police Scotland thank the public for their assistance."