Search for missing woman Christine Murton, 78, expands in Suffolk
Christine has been missing since the morning of Wednesday 12th November when she left her home on foot
Efforts to locate missing 78-year-old Christine Murton from Rushmere St Andrew have intensified as police and search teams expand their operation to new areas of Suffolk.
Christine has been missing since the morning of Wednesday 12th November when she left her home on foot and was later spotted on a door camera on Chatsworth Drive at around 10:40am.
On 19th November, police released CCTV footage showing Christine walking along a footpath near Amberfield Drive in Nacton village at approximately 2:45pm on the day she disappeared.
Christine has not been seen since and her blue Toyota Yaris, which was previously missing, was discovered parked in a retail park car park in the Pinewood area on Thursday, 20th November. Police believe she may have been searching for her car before becoming disoriented.
Yesterday (22nd November), Suffolk Police have increased their search efforts to include areas surrounding Nacton, Levington, Nacton Shore, and Trinity Marshes.
Around 50 Suffolk Lowland Search and Rescue (SulSAR) members are working alongside police officers, specialist dogs, drones, the police helicopter, DK9 Search and Rescue charity, and the Coastguard.
Detective Superintendent Tom Pearse of Suffolk Police provided an update on the operation.
"This weekend we will be continuing and expanding our search operation to locate Christine.
"We continue to ask residents to check their gardens, their sheds and outbuildings and to look through any CCTV they may have.
"Dog walkers should also remain vigilant around woodland, watercourses, and wetlands, and report any information that may assist police.
"I’d like to also reiterate our caution for anyone considering starting their own search activity as the recent rain has made some areas hazardous, and the drop in temperature increases the risk of exposure."
Christine is described as white, of slim build, approximately 5ft 7ins tall with short, dark hair. She was last seen wearing a purple jacket, blue trousers, and carrying a large shoulder bag, and she also wears glasses.
Detectives are urging residents across Suffolk to check their gardens, sheds, and outbuildings for any possible signs of Christine. People walking in wooded or coastal areas are asked to stay alert and report anything unusual that could lead to her discovery.
Anyone with information, sightings, or who may have captured her on CCTV or dashcam footage is asked to contact Suffolk Police.