POLICE were today investigating the discovery of a badly-decomposed corpse in woodland near Harrogate.

The grim find was made in woodland near Lindley Reservoir, between Harrogate and Otley.

Police said they had not been able to determine whether the body was male or female, and it had not yet been revealed who found the body.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "The body appears to have been there for some time, and at the moment it is not possible to determine the sex or any other details.

"Investigations are being made, and forensic officers are at the scene."

Police said it was too early to say whether the find could be linked to any missing persons inquiry, including that of Harrogate nurse Marsha Wray.

Mrs Wray went missing from her home in January, 1997.

Her car was seen in Scotton Woods, near Knaresborough, soon after she went missing, and it was later discovered in Headingley, Leeds.

Updated: 11:27 Tuesday, August 21, 2001