Gaynor Lord's daughter shares heartbreaking update after body found in river

16 December 2023 , 11:27

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Missing mother-of-three Gaynor Lord leaving work at the Bullards Gin counter in the basement at Jarrold department store in Norwich, Norfolk (Image: PA)

Gaynor Lord's daughter has shared the heartbreaking update that a body has been found in the search for the missing mother-of-three.

The 55-year-old woman disappeared after leaving work early in Norwich city centre at 2.45pm on Friday, December 8. Her belongings were found in Wensum Park, about 1.5 miles from her workplace at Jarrolds department store, and her coat was discovered in the river that runs through the park.

Police said Ms Lord's clothing, mobile phone, glasses and jewellery, including two rings, were discovered at various places in the park. After searching for a week, police said they found a body and while formal identification has not taken place yet, Gaynor's family have been informed.

Charlotte Lord shared the police's statement confirming a body was found in the river (Enterprise News and Pictures)

Gaynor Lord was last seen on December 8 as she left work early from Norwich city centre (PA)

On Friday evening her daughter Charlotte Lord shared Norfolk Constabulary's latest update on Facebook. The statement, confirming the discovery of a body, reads: "Police searching for missing Norwich woman Gaynor Lord can confirm a body has been found in the River Wensum. While the body hasn't formally been identified, Gaynor’s family have been informed. They continue to be supported by specially trained officers."

Many shared their support and sent their condolences to Charlotte, with a person writing: "So very sorry for your loss x." Another added: "So sorry to hear this Charlotte! Sending love and thoughts to you and your family." One more commented: "Haven't stopped thinking of you Charlotte & your family during this long hard week. Sending you a huge lot of love."

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Police recovered a body from the River Wensum in Norwich on Friday, a week after Gaynor disappeared. Two members of the dive team could be seen recovering the body from the river in Norwich on Friday after marking the area of water with an orange buoy.

In a statement to reporters after the discovery, Chief Superintendent Dave Buckley said: "We remain open-minded to the circumstances of Gaynor's disappearance and we'll continue to pursue all lines of inquiry to ascertain why she went missing. I'm keen to say this remains a missing person inquiry at this stage.

Police search teams on the River Wensum in Wensum Park, Norwich (PA)

"I am also satisfied at the moment, based on the evidence that we have, that Gaynor did not meet anyone on the way to the park, and we now have a better understanding of her movements through the city centre." He added: "I would reiterate at this stage that there is no evidence of third party involvement. Nothing in our inquiries have changed this position."

Floral tributes to Ms Lord were laid near the gates of Wensum Park after the discovery. One of them said: "Gaynor may you be at peace. God bless your family."

Speaking before the tragic discovery, a family friend said Gaynor's loved ones had been left "distraught" by her disappearance, reported The Times. They added: "Clive [Lord's husband] is understandably totally lost, and doesn't understand at all what's happened."

Julie Muddel, who is married to Lord's first husband, Paul, said: "My stepson told me Gaynor was the best she had been for a long time. She loved her job, she absolutely loved it. She was making new friends, and she was the happiest she'd been for a long time."

Chiara Fiorillo