Mystery over disappearance of woman, 76, who was last seen eight days ago as cops searching river keep ‘open mind’

POLICE divers are searching a river for a missing woman last seen eight days ago.

Officers say they are "increasingly concerned" for the welfare of 76-year-old Iona.

She was last seen at 11am on February 12 in Witney town centre in Oxfordshire but there has been no trace of her since.

Specialist teams from Avon and Somerset Police are now helping Thames Valley Police to scour River Windrush near Witney following reports a person was spotted in the water.

Wiltshire Search and Rescue team is also helping as the search reaches its eighth day.

Police previously said they were keeping an "open mind" over Iona's disappearance.

They said she was last seen wearing a long brown coat, leggings and black Nike trainers.

Iona has been described as approximately 5ft 6ins tall and of a slim build.

Chief Inspector James Sullivan said: “We’re extremely concerned for the welfare of Iona, who was reported missing around a week ago.

“As part of our enquiries searches continue to be conducted at the River Windrush in Witney however we are keeping an open mind and following all lines of enquiry.

"I am appealing to anybody who believes that they might have seen her, or who has any information that may help us to locate her to please get in touch with Thames Valley Police.

“.  If you see Iona we would ask you to please call 999, quoting reference 43240068765.”