Body is found in search for Mackenzie Crook’s missing sister-in-law

A body has been found in the search for The Office star Mackenzie Crook’s missing sister-in-law Laurel Aldridge.

Sussex police confirmed the discovery following an 11-day search for Ms Aldridge, 62, who went missing from her home on February 14. 

She captured by her doorbell as she left her home in Walberton, West Sussex, but the alarm was raised after she missed a scheduled session of chemotherapy. 

Ms Aldridge was last seen later that day at Slindon Cricket Club, around two-and-a-half miles away. 

In a statement police said: ‘Sadly the body of a woman has been found in the Tortington Lane area of Arundel.

Laurel Aldridge went missing from her home in Walberton, West Sussex on February 14

Mackenzie Crook launched a series of public appeals after his sister-in-law went missing last week

Sussex Police dog unit vehicles at Slindon Cricket Club in Arundel, West Sussex, where Laurel Aldridge, 62, was last seen

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‘At this stage, the family of missing Laurel Aldridge have been informed and we are seeking to confirm the identity of the woman.’ 

After Ms Aldridge disappeared, Mr Crook – who is best known for roles in The Office, Pirates Of The Caribbean and Worzel Gummidge – called for the public to keep an eye out for her in the West Sussex area. 

Speaking this week he said: ‘She left the house with nothing but what she was wearing, with no keys and no phone. She has not been seen since. 

‘She missed her fifth chemo session last Tuesday and we think that is what has triggered some sort of crisis in her and she has gone off for a long walk somewhere.’ 

‘We are really clutching at straws now after a week,’ he told ITV’s Good Morning Britain. 

Searches for Ms Aldridge have been ongoing for 11 days, before a body was found on Saturday

Laurel Aldridge’s family launched a major appeal to find her and asked the public to keep an eye out for the 62-year-old

Laurel was last seen wearing a turquoise fleece, a maroon tartan scarf and brown hat

Mr Crook’s (left) wife Lindsay (right) is the sister of Mrs Aldridge. He said his family are growing worried for her wellbeing

Mr Crook, whose wife Lindsay is Ms Aldridge’s sister, also told ITV that her disappearance was ‘very out of character’ and that his family was ‘obviously really worried’. 

He previously urged the public to check their gardens and outbuildings for places where Ms Aldridge may have sought overnight shelter. 

Photos released by police during the search showed Ms Aldridge was wearing a turquoise fleece, maroon tartan scarf and brown hat on the morning she disappeared.

A large-scale police investigation had been taking place into her disappearance, with officers conducting house-to-house enquiries and specialist search dogs deployed.

A police helicopter, drones and specialist teams were also used. 

Chief Superintendent Howard Hodges previously said: ‘We would like to thank the public for the information which has been provided to us thus far.

‘Our officers have been working around the clock pursuing multiple lines of enquiry and are determined to find Laurel.

‘We are working closely with Laurel’s family, offering them support and providing them with regular updates on the investigation.’