TRIBUTES have been paid to “lovely soul” Natalie Kelly after police searching for the Irvine woman find a body.

Police searching for missing Irvine woman Natalie Kelly have confirmed they have found a body.

A large-scale operation had been launched to find the 53-year-old after she was reported missing in the early hours of Saturday, October 2.

Officers confirmed that at 9.40am on October 3, 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 1.30am.

Tributes have flooded to remember Natalie as a “lovely soul”.

Lorraine Johnstone said: “I so wished that you would have been found safe and well Natalie, I’m so sorry for whatever has happened hope you’re at peace now , thoughts with your mum Sandra, Brother Stuart and extended family.”

Her cousin, Mary Gibson, added: “My beautiful cousin, inside and out, so sad, taken far too soon.”

Siobhan Kavanagh said: “So so sad. Natalie was an absolutely lovely soul and a very well thought after member of Curves Irvine so sorry to hear of her passing. She will be sadly missed.”

Friend Dorothy Kennedy added: “You were a beautiful lady Natalie and I was blessed to know you.”

And Christina Bennett said: “Natalie lived next door to my mum, she was a lovely lady and great neighbour so sorry to hear this news and condolences to all the family.”

A police spokesperson 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.

“There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.”