Major search after mum vanishes near river - as specialist dogs are deployed
A major search has been launched for a mum who vanished near a river earlier this week, and is feared to have fallen in the water.
Fiona Edson, 52, has not been seen since she left her home in Chippenham, Wiltshire, at about 1pm on Sunday afternoon.
Police, the fire service and the Wiltshire Search and Rescue (WILSAR) charity have been looking for Fiona, who uses a mobility scooter, since the early hours of Monday.
Dozens of specially-trained volunteers have been involved in the hunt, as well as the police helicopter and drones.
Detective Inspector Mark Kent, of Wiltshire Police, asked people to "cast their minds back" to Sunday afternoon and get in touch with any information that could relate to Fiona's disappearance.
Nicola Bulley's children 'cried their eyes out' after being told 'mummy's lost'
The mum uses a mobility scooter (Wiltshire Police / SWNS)
Fiona has been missing for five days (Wiltshire Police / SWNS)He said: “We are extremely concerned about Fiona’s welfare and we are continuing to provide support to her family as our searches continue.
“We understand Fiona left her home on her mobility scooter, although she does have limited mobility and can walk short distances.
"Officers have been working round the clock alongside volunteers from WiLSAR to try and locate Fiona.
“We would like to thank the members of the public who have already contacted us with information following our public appeals and we would urge anyone who was in the Monkton Park area on Sunday afternoon to cast their mind back.
Rescue teams, including search dogs, near Monkton Park in Chippenham (Daniel Jae Webb / SWNS)"Did you see a woman matching Fiona’s description on a mobility scooter? What direction was she heading in? Did anything appear out of the ordinary?
“Any information you have, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, could be vital.”
Boats were deployed on the River Avon but searches of the water were delayed as the vessel sustained damage.
The inflatable craft's propeller was taken out of action when it struck a large metal object beneath the surface.
On Thursday a cadaver dog - also known as a human-remains detection dog - was also deployed alongside the fast-flowing stretch of the river.
Rescue teams involved in the search for the mum (Daniel Jae Webb / SWNS)The animal can sniff out human scent particles emanating from the water - and then indicate the find to its handler.
Mum appeared 'completely normal' moments before vanishing while walking dog
Anyone with information should call Wiltshire Police on 101 and quote log number 342 of June 25 or 999 in an emergency.
Speaking about the damaged boat, WILSAR chairman Adrian Sawyer said: “Our 4m inflatable is the only powered boat based in Wiltshire.
"Until it is repaired we will be calling in mutual aid from out of county.
"In 2023 alone it has been deployed to nine incidents so far, and used to recover three bodies from rivers, in some very challenging conditions.
"It’s a vital tool, and essential to have available for any incident involving water or flooding.”
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
