Charity shop volunteer, 22, who went missing minutes after texting her father that she loved him, is found dead, police confirm

Melanie Wilson was last seen near her family home two weeks ago
Body of charity shop volunteer found outside bungalow in Mansfield, Notts
Discovery prompted by prospective home owners visiting property
Her father, David, said she text him saying 'I love you' before she vanished
Circumstances of her death are not thought to be suspicious

By Nick Enoch and Jenny Awford for MailOnline

Published: 19:55 GMT, 5 November 2016 | Updated: 06:46 GMT, 6 November 2016

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Melanie Wilson, 22, (pictured) was last seen near her home in Sutton-in-Ashfield, north of Nottingham, on October 19

Police have confirmed that a body found outside a bungalow is that of missing woman Melanie Wilson.

The 22-year-old had sent her father a text message saying 'I love you' - minutes before she vanished two weeks ago.

Ms Wilson, who worked as a volunteer at a local charity shop, was last spotted in the Mansfield area of Nottinghamshire at around 11.20pm on October 19.

Last week, Nottinghamshire Police handed out leaflets and residents were urged to check their gardens, outbuildings, sheds and any other places which may be hidden from general view.

The force's dive team also carried out searches at King's Mill Reservoir and the Sutton Lawn Park pond, in Sutton-in-Ashfield.

Officers discovered her body in Stoney Street, Sutton-in-Ashfield, on Thursday after prospective home owners came to view the property.

A post-mortem examination was carried out today. The cause of death has yet to be identified but the circumstances are not thought to be suspicious.

Further tests are to be carried out and police are not looking for anyone else in relation to the death.

Earlier this week, her heartbroken father David Wilson issued an emotional plea to his daughter for her safe return.

The body of Ms Wilson was found behind a bungalow, pictured, 500 yards away from her home. The cause of death has yet to be identified but the circumstances are not thought to be suspicious

The 22-year-old's (pictured) father David Wilson revealed the last contact he had with her was when she texted him saying she loved him

He revealed how his daughter sent him a text message saying 'I love you' - just 20 minutes before she was last seen.

He said: 'I'd imagine hell is similar to what I and family and friends are going through. We're all heartbroken. Everywhere we look there's a reminder of her.

'The last time I saw her was when she popped in to see me at home on Monday [October 17].

'We just had a general chat and hugged each other as she left. She seemed her usual self.

'The last contact I had with her was a text she sent me at about 11pm on Wednesday [October 19] which said "I love you dad".

Police have cordoned off the property, which is believed to be currently unoccupied ahead of a new owner moving in

'I sent her one back saying "I love you too darling".'

Neighbour to the bungalow in Stoney Street, Gemma Flint, 34, said: 'I was talking to the woman who came to view the empty bungalow - she was hoping to move into it.

'She came round to look and she pushed the gate and went round the back and she saw the girl sat at the side of the dustbin.

'She was all dressed up in black - they thought she'd been beat up - it's shocking.

Melanie's body was found near her home, while police searched nearby Sutton Lawn Park Pond and King's Mill Reservoir

Police searched for Melanie, left and right, for two weeks and even dredged a local reservoir and pond

'It makes me feel sick. I was going to go up there the other day and put the bin out but I didn't.

'We have seen all the ambulances and I went to see if the little old lady next door was OK - next thing we saw was all the police and everything.'

'Poor girl - it's the family I feel for.'

More than 250 people were involved in the search for Ms Wilson after the 'Where There's Hope' group, which started when tragic 13-year-old Amber Peat went missing last year, made an appeal for help.

A spokesman for Nottinghamshire Police said: 'Officers are liaising with Melanie's family and keeping them updated.'