Divers have been called in by police to join the urgent search for a missing pensioner who disappeared in the early hours of New Year’s Eve. A crack team of searchers have been combing through the River Tees, trying to find Gloria Ann Clarke, 80.
The elderly lady was last spotted leaving Meadowfield Drive in Eaglescliffe, Teesside, at approximately 5:45am on December 31.
According to Cleveland Police, she was last seen wearing a blue Regatta jacket, black Skechers trainers and a poppy badge. The Force confirmed that a major search in neighbouring Yarm is linked to her disppearance.
As New Year’s Eve crept towards New Year’s Day, officers were seen around the river. Meanwhile a police cordon was erected by True Lovers Walk and a helicopter was seen searching the area from the skies.
Divers were seen at the river on New Year’s morning, after pausing their search at around 7pm on New Year’s Eve. Police believe she may have entered the water.
A Cleveland force spokesperson said: “Officers leading the search for missing 80-year-old Gloria Ann Clarke now believe she may have entered the River Tees, and the focus of their investigation is now in the River Tees and surrounding areas.
“Gloria was last seen leaving Meadowfield Drive in Eaglescliffe at around 5.45am on the morning of Sunday 31st December, New Year’s Eve.
“Enquiries are currently ongoing.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Cleveland Police on 101, quoting reference number 254776.
