Police confirm river body is Mandy

Forensic tests today revealed the body of a woman discovered in the River Severn was that of missing Shropshire mother Mandy Franks.

West Mercia police detectives today said that it was not known how the 40-year-old died and said her death was being treated as "unexplained".

Her body was discovered in the river at Apley, near Bridgnorth, on Monday. An inquest was due to be opened this afternoon.

Her family today said they did not believe the "fun loving" mother-of-one would have taken her own life.

Gary Rowland, who was married to Miss Franks for 10 years before they separated two years ago, said he, and the couple's 21-year-old son Louie, were devastated.

Louie, a student at Chester university, said: "She was the best mother I could have hoped for and would do anything for me."

Mr Rowland, 41, of Brookside, Telford, said: "Both Louie and I are very upset about it all. I didn't actually believe it until I was told yesterday, even though we had been told it was probably her.

"It's a tough time for us all. Mandy was also a stepmother to my other two children for 13 years and they are very upset too."

Mr Rowland said he had been inundated with messages of support. "I hope nobody intentionally did it to her but at the same time I cannot see how it happened if they didn't," he said. "She would never take her own life – she would never do that."

Miss Franks was last seen four weeks ago tomorrow in Shrewsbury. She had left her partner Jody Evans in Franks Bar and was last seen outside the Montgomery's Tower pub. Mr Evans was not available for comment today at the home he shared with Miss Franks in Belle Vue Road, Shrewsbury.

It took three days of tests to identify Miss Franks's body. Her family was informed of the discovery and told by officers they were investigating if it was that of Miss Franks.

By Kirsty Smallman

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