Police search at River Stour over missing Sylvia Jeeves

Police divers are on the scene and part of the riverbank is also cordoned off.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said officers from Dorset Police and Devon & Cornwall Police’s marine team are carrying out searches in the river near to Iford Lane.

Police diving team at Iford on Friday March 25

Members of the Force Drone Team are also assisting to help locate Sylvia.

Searches have been carried out with assistance from Dorset Search & Rescue (DorSAR), Dorset Search Dogs, Wessex Flood Rescue Unit and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Technical Rescue Unit.

Read more: Police searching for missing woman Sylvia Jeeves

Dorset Police received a report at around 9.50pm on Sunday March 13, raising concern for the welfare of 86-year-old Sylvia Jeeves, who was understood to be at an address in the Iford area.

Officers attended the address and she was no longer present.

Police cordon in place at Iford riverbank

Sylvia, who is also known as Sylvia Collins, is described as white and of slim build with short grey hair in a bob style.She was last seen wearing a light-coloured woolly jacket, a white shirt, beige trousers and a dark-coloured pair of shoes with white soles.

Read more: Hunt for driver of car linked to rural crimes

Chief Inspector Claire Phillips, of Dorset Police, said: “Our search efforts are continuing to try and locate Sylvia.

"As a results of the enquiries we have carried out so far, our searches are focusing in the area of the River Stour near to Iford Lane, but we will continue to explore any lines of enquiry that emerge.

“I would like to thank all of the agencies who have helped us searching so far as well members of the public who have assisted by sharing our appeals and responding with information.

“I am renewing my appeal for anyone who has seen Sylvia in the local area, or a woman matching the description given, to please get in touch.”