A body has been found in the search for missing teacher Alice Hodgkinson after she vanished eight days ago in Japan.
The Edinburgh University graduate had failed to make contact with her loved ones back in the UK since an email on June 30, her family confirmed.
Friends of the 28-year-old, who had been living near Tokyo for more than a year where she worked at an English language school, launched a poster campaign in a bid to find her.
But her heartbroken dad has confirmed the family have received “the worst news imaginable” and are “at a complete loss” after her body was found, the Daily Star reports.
Retired computer software engineer Steve, 68, said: "We were notified last night. Police told me that had found Alice's body. It was the worst news imaginable.
"We are devastated and it is a very difficult time for our family."
Steve, who is divorced from Alice's mum Julie,63, added: "We are at a complete loss and her mother is struggling, she's beside herself with grief."
The family wants to repatriate her body as soon as possible.
The dad added he wasn't sure if he and his son would be travelling to Japan.
He said at his Nottingham home, which he shares with son, Peter, 32: "We've not decided what best to do. If we go out there we'll need to quarantine in a hotel for two weeks. But we need to bring Alice home."
Steve added: "Close family are aware. It is not a murder investigation and police are not looking for anyone else in connection with her death."
It's reported police broke into Alice's apartment on July 1 after she was reported missing.
Cops found a note addressed to her dad and brother.
Alice was last seen on June 29 but Steve had received an email from his daughter the following day, the last one she had sent.
He said: "I'd got a Father's Day present from her, a membership to Sheffield University Theatre, and I responded with an email thanking her.
"She then sent an email in reply, that was our last communication and everything seemed absolutely fine.
"As far as we know she wasn't depressed, she seemed to be leading a happy, fulfilling life."
The English Language teacher was reported missing after she didn't turn up for work last week.
Her bosses became concerned for her wellbeing and reported it to the police.
She shared an apartment block in Yokohama, around 20 miles south of Tokyo, and intended to stay in the country for another year.
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
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