A SEARCH for a missing Port Glasgow teenager ended in tragedy yesterday when a body was found in the River Clyde.

Police say that the body recovered at Cardwell Bay in Gourock is believed to be that of Sarah Smith, the 19-year-old who had earlier been reported missing.

A huge search operation had been launched in an effort to trace Sarah but it was halted after yesterday morning’s grim find.

Police immediately cordoned off a section of Battery Park around 9am after a dog walker contacted them to report something suspicious.

A marine support unit was also drafted in to the scene and the body was recovered from the water.

While formal identification is still to take place, Sarah’s family were immediately informed of the discovery.

A post mortem examination is to be carried out to establish the exact cause of death.

Sarah had been reported missing on Sunday night.

She disappeared from her home in Staffa Avenue and a major search operation was launched, with a police appeal also issued on social media.

Sarah’s worried family members had described her disappearance as ‘highly unusual’.

Police who were out looking for her drafted in a helicopter to assist with their search after dark on Sunday.

It was seen hovering above several locations in Greenock as well as Gourock, where there had been a sighting of Sarah.

Officers were still carrying out door-to-door inquiries there yesterday when the tragic news filtered through.

Friends of Sarah have posted many tributes to her on Facebook.

One read: “So shocked, such a good friend to spend time with. Will be missed by loads.” Another simply said: “Can’t believe the news. Rest in peace.”