The body of a young woman has been found by police hunting for missing Bristol architect Joanna Yeates.

It is understood, but has not yet been confirmed, that the body is of the missing Clifton woman.

Detectives said a couple walking their dogs found a body in Failand, North Somerset, on Christmas Day morning.

The woman's body was discovered at 9am in a verge in Longwood Lane, off Long Ashton golf course.

Avon and Somerset police have said the parents of Joanna Yeates have been informed of the latest developments.

Detectives said the results of a post mortem examination would not be ready until tomorrow.

The area where the body was found has been cordoned off by police.

Joanna Yeates, 25, vanished after returning home to Clifton from an evening out with work colleagues last Friday, leaving behind all her belongings at the home in Canynge Road she shares with her boyfriend Greg Reardon.

She has not been in touch with friends or relatives since she walked home from the Bristol Ram pub in Park Street, stopping at Waitrose and Tesco supermarkets along the way.

Mr Reardon reported his girlfriend missing on Sunday when he returned home from a weekend away with relatives in Sheffield.

Since her disappearance, Ms Yeates' parents have held emotional appeals in the hunt to find her.

Anyone with any information about Joanna Yeates should call Bristol CID on 0117 945 5355, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.