22 February 2023 , 12:23
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Mackenzie Crook's missing sister-in-law Laurel Aldridge is “probably” not in her home village, a member of the parish council has said, as the search enters its eighth day.
Mrs Aldridge, sister-in-law of The Office actor Mackenzie, was reported missing on February 14.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday, Mackenzie said he and the family are “clutching at straws” but remain “determined and driven” to find her.
Mrs Aldridge, 62, went missing from her home in the village of Walberton, near Arundel in West Sussex, and was last seen at Slindon Cricket Club around two-and-a-half miles away.
Missing posters have been put up on lampposts, tree trunks and in windows throughout the village where she was last seen.
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However, Walberton Parish Council clerk Andy Peppler, who is also an ex-police officer, believes she is now elsewhere.
Laurel Aldridge has been missing since Valentine's Day and 'probably isn't in the village' she was last seen in (PA)Mr Peppler told the PA news agency: “I’m confident that if Mrs Aldridge was still in the village she would have been found by now.
“I think she’s more likely to be in the Slindon area, it’s quite vast and highly wooded.
“The police haven’t asked for volunteers to join the search, but we’ve offered the services of the parish council to assist if we can.
Laurel was last seen wearing a turquoise jumper and a maroon tartan scarf (PA)“The village remains concerned for Laurel’s welfare as one of our own, and residents are keeping an eye out for her and hoping she will be recovered safe and well.”
A spokeswoman for Slindon Parish Council added: “We are very aware of the ongoing distress to Laurel’s family at this time, the thoughts and prayers of this community are with them and everyone remains hopeful that Laurel will be found safe.”
Reverend Peter Dyson, of St Mary’s Church in Slindon, said he has been praying for the family, adding that “people want to help but they want to be gentle”.
Mackenzie appeared on GMB to appeal for help (ITV)Mrs Aldridge is described as being around 5ft 4in with grey/blonde highlighted hair. She sometimes wears glasses.
She was last seen wearing a turquoise fleece, a maroon tartan scarf and brown hat. She also had a grey puffer jacket with her which she is likely to have been wearing.
Sussex Police recently appealed to the public for help in looking through dashcam footage on and around the day Laurel went missing.
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Detective Sergeant Alan Fenn said earlier this week: "We are continuing to pursue multiple lines of enquiry and would thank any members of the public who have provided information to us so far. We may have information which could place Laurel’s last known location. To be in that location it’s likely Laurel would have crossed a busy road where people would have been driving in the area at the time.
"I am urging people who were driving in this area or near to this area of Arun to review their dashcam footage to see if there is anyone who matches Laurel’s description.
"We have a dedicated officer who is in contact Laurel’s family and will continue to support them throughout this investigation. Please continue to look out for Laurel and call 101 with non-urgent information and 999 if this information is urgent quoting Operation Accrue."
Information can also be reported to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.