Police have started searching a river for the body of a 76-year-old woman who vanished from Oxfordshire a week ago.
Officers said they are ‘increasingly concerned’ for the welfare of Iona, whose last name has not been released, after she was last seen at 11am on February 12.
The Avon and Somerset specialist dive team were requested to join the search earlier this week and were seen scouring the River Windrush as the search entered its seventh day today.
The underwater search was also assisted with the help of the Wiltshire Search and Rescue team.
Police previously said they were growing ‘increasingly concerned’ for Iona’s welfare but were ‘keeping an open mind’ as the search continued.
Iona, 76, was last seen in Witney at around 11am last Monday
Police along with search and rescue services were seen searching the River Windrush in Witney, Oxfordshire today in search of the missing woman
The underwater search was also assisted with the help of the Wiltshire Search and Rescue team
Thames Valley Police issued an appeal earlier this week after Iona went missing from Witney.
They said she was approximately 5ft 6ins tall and of slim build.
She was last seen wearing a brown long coat, leggings and black Nike trainers, they added.
Detective Inspector Rob Platt said at the time: ‘We are becoming increasing concerned for Iona’s welfare and are appealing for the public’s help in locating her.
‘As part of our enquiries searches were conducted at the River Windrush in Witney however we are keeping an open mind and following all lines of enquiry.
‘At this time, Iona has not been found, if anyone has information that may assist these, please call us on 999, quoting reference number 43240068765.
‘Anyone with information on her whereabouts should make a report on our website.’