Jamaican police searching for a missing Islington woman have found a body, according to a parish police chief.

The 10 day search for Karen Cleary, 44, ended in tragedy when detectives and a canine squad found the decomposing body of a woman, believed to be Ms Cleary, in a “shallow grave” at about 5.30pm Jamaican time on Tuesday.

Ms Cleary, reportedly from Pentonville Road, was last seen getting into a black SUV with three other people on November 25 and was reported missing the same day.

She was building a home in the Boscobel Housing Scheme, in the St Mary’s area of the island, where she planned to live with her boyfriend of 13 years Andy Kane.

Conveying the tragic news via Facebook, Mr Kane, 56, said: “Since last Tuesday when I found out Karen Cleary was missing I’ve had a feeling that the freight train of reality was barrelling down the tracks towards me.

“Today it pains to say that train hit me hard I am so sorry to pass on the news that today after a pain staking search by the Jamaican Police team that the time for hope and optimism has unfortunately passed, they have recovered her body, Karen has now gone on to a better place.

“Karen has been that shining star in my world for over 13 years, that world has now turned very dark indeed.”

It’s reported the hairdresser and beautician was stabbed, following an argument with a labourer working on Ms Cleary and Mr Kane’s new house.

On Tuesday, Constable Brown, of the Orcabessa Police Station, told the Gazette: “A body was found – I do not know if the body is identified as yet.” He confirmed a man is being held in connection to her disappearance but said “there is no charge laid against him as of yet”.

Mr Kane yesterday spoke of police holding a “prime suspect”. He has now returned to England. Ms Cleary’s body has been transferred to a morgue.

Did you know Ms Cleary? Send your tributes to Lucas at the Gazette newsdesk at lucas.cumiskey@archant.co.uk or call 020 7433 0121