A SEARCH for a missing Doubleview grandmother has ended tragically with the discovery of what police believe is her body in bush south-east of Perth Thursday morning.

Julie Anne Cooper had not been heard from since August 17, when police said she told family she would be out of contact for about two weeks.

But the 55-year-old’s relatives and friends became increasingly worried when she missed important appointments and they could not reach her.

They reported her missing to police early this month.

Her daughter posted on social media last week that her phone was switched off and police were checking whether her bank accounts had been used.

Ms Cooper’s daughter wrote that her family was “shocked” and “devastated” by her disappearance.

It is understood the homicide squad took over the inquiry into Ms Cooper’s disappearance about a week ago.

Camera Icon Ms Cooper’s Toyota Camry sedan. Credit: WA Police

Homicide Det-Sen Sgt Manus Walsh said the focus today for police was to find Ms Cooper’s 2006 silver Toyota Camry sedan.

“It was bearing the registration plates 1CGT 526, however we believe those plates have been changed,” he said.

“Her car, we believe, was in the possession of someone else. It has been possibly involved in what may have been a lawful transaction and we’re seeking to find where that vehicle is.

Play Video Detective Senior Sergeant Manus Walsh addresses the media after the discovery of a woman's body in bushland in Ashendon. They believe it's the body of missing Doubleview grandmother Julie Anne Cooper. The West Australian Video Detective Senior Sergeant Manus Walsh addresses the media after the discovery of a woman's body in bushland in Ashendon. They believe it's the body of missing Doubleview grandmother Julie Anne Cooper.

“There has been an exchange which has led to that vehicle going to someone else, the exact details of which we’re still investigating.

“We have some information relating to her car but we have no information relating to it since we believe it’s been taken.”

Camera Icon Ms Cooper’s Toyota Camry sedan. Credit: WA Police

He said the person who had the car now might not realise that it was hers.

Det-Sen Sgt Walsh said a 31-year-old man, who was known to Ms Cooper, had been in custody for about 24 hours.

He said police first went to the bush area Wednesday but the forensic examination started Thursday morning.

He asked anyone with information of Ms Cooper or her car to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police have not revealed how they found the gravesite, which is in bushland several hundred metres off Albany Highway in Bedfordale, near Armadale, in the Jarrahdale State Forest.