Body in river may be homeless woman

THE decomposing body of a woman which was found in the Caroni River on Monday afternoon may be that of a homeless woman who lived on the streets of Port of Spain, police told Newsday yesterday.

Police said the body of the woman who is of African descent, sported dreadlocks and had on a pink floral top was found along the river at around 5.30 pm and police said her physical features matched those of the homeless woman who was well-known in the downtown section of the city.

Investigators said the woman may have fallen asleep in a storm drain in the East Dry River and may have drowned and was swept out to sea before incoming tides carried her body to the Caroni river.

Heavy rainfall on Sunday and Monday caused the East Dry River to transform into a raging torrent.

The country was placed on a yellow alert by the TT Met Services which warned of persistent heavy showers and thunder showers with accompanying flooding.

Police said another homeless man was also washed away while he slept in the drain, but other homeless people heard his cries for help and saved him.

Police are continuing enquiries.