The heartbroken family have told friends of their pain as specialist divers found a body in the hunt for missing Norwich mother Gaynor Lord.
After a week of searching, Norfolk Police confirmed that the as-yet unidentified body was pulled from the River Wensum by underwater search teams on Friday morning. Police have said there is no evidence of third party involvement.
A post-mortem examination of a body found in the search for missing woman Gaynor Lord has found “no indications of any third-party involvement”, Norfolk Police said.
A family friend told The Times: “Gaynor’s husband Clive is totally lost.
“He doesn’t understand at all what’s happened.”
Gaynor’s daughter Charlotte, 24, also shared police appeals several times on social media. Her latest tragic update is confirming a body was found.
Chief Superintendent Dave Buckley, Norfolk’s county policing commander, said: “The post-mortem examination has found no signs that any other parties were involved.
“Although our searches have concluded, officers are continuing to work to establish the full circumstances surrounding Gaynor’s disappearance.
“We will pursue all lines of inquiry to understand why she went missing.”
Key Points
-
Body found in search for Gaynor Lord
-
Friend says she received two mystery calls from mother on day she disappeared
-
Timeline of Gaynor Lord’s movements before going missing
-
Last CCTV footage of Gaynor Lord
Gaynor Lord eyewitness says she saw ‘calm’ mother-of-three doing yoga pose in park before disappearance
04:00 , Matt Mathers
Gaynor Lord eyewitness says she saw ‘calm’ mother-of-three doing yoga pose in park before disappearance
An eyewitness who saw Ms Lord before she went missing has spoken out.
The witness says she saw the missing mother laying down her coat before performing what appeared to be a yoga pose. She said Ms Lord “appeared quite calm” although felt the action was “odd” for the time of day.
Watch below:
Gaynor Lord police give update after body found in search for missing mother
03:00 , Matt Mathers
Police have said there is no evidence of third-party involvement after a body was found in the search for missing mother-of-three Gaynor Lord.
Norfolk Police said the body of a female was recovered from the River Wensum in Norwich on Friday (15 December), a week after she 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.”
Watch the clip here:
Gaynor Lord police give update after body found in search for missing mother
Everything we know about missing mother-of-three
02:00 , Matt Mathers
Ms Lord, a retail assistant at the Jarrold department store, went to work as usual on Friday but left early. She was due to finish at 4pm.
She left work via Bedford Street at around 2.45pm. From there, she walked along London Street, Queens Street and towards the city cathedral.
Full report:
Gaynor Lord: Everything we know about missing mother-of-three
What happened to Gaynor Lord’s belongings?
01:00 , Matt Mathers
Lydia Patrick reports:
Police found a number of Ms Lord’s belongings scattered in Wensum Park next to the river where they were conducting the main search.
Clothing, a mobile phone and glasses were found dispersed around the park 1.5 miles from her workplace in a department store. Her coat was found in the River Wensum itself.
Chief Superintendent Dave Buckley from Norfolk Police said the force had used sonar equipment across the river which was an “extraordinarily challenging environment” for them to work in.
No third-party involvement in death of woman found in river
00:01 , Matt Mathers
Detectives investigating the disappearance of mother-of-three Gaynor Lord have said there is no evidence a third party was involved in the death of a woman whose body was found in a river during the search.
The 55-year-old vanished after leaving work in Norwich city centre early at 2.45pm on December 8.
Full report:
Gaynor Lord search: No third-party involvement in death of woman found in river
In pictures: Floral tributes left for Gaynor Lord as body recovered from river to be identified on Sunday
Sunday 17 December 2023 23:00 , Matt Mathers
CCTV shows missing mother’s last known moments
Sunday 17 December 2023 22:00 , Matt Mathers
Footage shows Gaynor Lord’s last-known movements before she went missing in Norwich on Friday, 8 December.
Police have released CCTV showing the 55-year-old walking to and from the cathedral on Queens Street before continuing to walk along St George’s Street at 3.49pm.
She then walks along St Crispins Road towards Pitt Street and up St Augustines Street at 4.01pm, which was the last sighting of her on CCTV.
“We are particularly keen on hearing from anyone who may have seen Gaynor in the cathedral grounds,” Norwich policing commander Superintendent Wes Hornigold said.
Watch the clip here:
Gaynor Lord: CCTV shows missing mother’s last known moments
Body pulled from river in search for missing Norwich mother Gaynor Lord
Sunday 17 December 2023 21:00 , Matt Mathers
Specialist divers pulled a body from a river on Friday morning following a week-long search for missing mother-of-three Gaynor Lord.
Police have been desperately searching for Lord since last Friday after she failed to return home from work in Norwich city centre.
Athena Stavrou reports:
Body pulled from river following a week-long search for missing mother Gaynor Lord
Friend of missing mother details last call
Sunday 17 December 2023 20:00 , Matt Mathers
A friend of missing Norwich woman Gaynor Lord has detailed the last phone call she received from her on the day she was last seen.
Ms Lord, a mother of three, was reported missing in Norwich last Friday (8 December) after failing to return home from work.
Julie Butcher received a call from Ms Lord at 2.15pm that day but had to cut it short to speak to a client.
Speaking to Sky News on Thursday (14 December), Ms Butcher said: “I said could I call her back and she said ‘yes’.”
She later called Ms Lord but could not get through to her.
Ms Butcher said: “I wish I had never answered that call.”
You can listen to the interview here:
Gaynor Lord: Friend of missing mother details last call
In pictures: Floral tributes left for Gaynor Lord as body recovered from river to be identified on Sunday
Sunday 17 December 2023 19:03 , Maira Butt
Floral tributes laid near gates of Wensum Park after discovery of body
Sunday 17 December 2023 18:03 , Maira Butt
Floral tributes to Ms Lord were laid near the gates of Wensum Park after the discovery of a body on Friday.
One of them said: “Gaynor may you be at peace. God bless your family.”
Two members of the dive team could be seen recovering the body from the river in Norwich on Friday morning after marking the area of water with an orange buoy.
At about 12pm, officers could be seen recovering a body from the river in a black bag.
Police previously confirmed they consulted officers from Lancashire Constabulary who worked on the search for Nicola Bulley.
Gaynor Lord search: No third-party involvement in death of woman found in river
Sunday 17 December 2023 17:03 , Maira Butt
Detectives investigating the disappearance of mother-of-three Gaynor Lord have said there is no evidence a third party was involved in the death of a woman whose body was found in a river during the search.
Norfolk Police said a body was found in the River Wensum on Friday.
A post-mortem examination was carried out on Saturday morning and found no indication a third party was involved, the force added.
Police said formal identification is due to take place on Sunday and Mrs Lord’s family has been informed of the development.
Gaynor Lord search: No third-party involvement in death of woman found in river
Final CCTV footage of mother-of-three before she went missing
Sunday 17 December 2023 16:03 , Maira Butt
Before Gaynor Lord went missing, CCTV documented her visiting a number of places after leaving early from her workplace.
The footage below shows her last known sighting before she disappeared.
The 55-year-old is seen walking along St Augustine’s Street, Norwich, at 4:01pm on Friday 8 December.
What happened to Gaynor Lord’s belongings?
Sunday 17 December 2023 15:03 , Maira Butt
Lydia Patrick reports:
Police found a number of Ms Lord’s belongings scattered in Wensum Park next to the river where they were conducting the main search.
Clothing, a mobile phone and glasses were found dispersed around the park 1.5 miles from her workplace in a department store. Her coat was found in the River Wensum itself.
Chief Superintendent Dave Buckley from Norfolk Police said the force had used sonar equipment across the river which was an “extraordinarily challenging environment” for them to work in.
Read here for more unanswered questions in the search for mother-of-three.
Gaynor Lord eyewitness says she saw ‘calm’ mother-of-three doing yoga pose in park before disappearance
Sunday 17 December 2023 14:03 , Maira Butt
An eyewitness who saw Ms Lord before she went missing has spoken out.
The witness says she saw the missing mother laying down her coat before performing what appeared to be a yoga pose. She said Ms Lord “appeared quite calm” although felt the action was “odd” for the time of day.
Watch the full statement below.
In pictures: Body found and post-mortem examination conducted in Gaynor Lord search
Sunday 17 December 2023 13:03 , Maira Butt
A body has been found in the search for Gaynor Lord. It is yet to be identified and Norfolk Police have confirmed the identification process will take place on Sunday.
A post-mortem examination conducted on Saturday ruled out any “third-party involvement” and police confirmed they were not treating the death as suspicious.
Video: Friend of Gaynor Lord details last call
Sunday 17 December 2023 12:03 , Maira Butt
A friend of missing Norwich woman Gaynor Lord has detailed the last phone call she received from her on the day she was last seen.
Ms Lord, a mother of three, was reported missing in Norwich last Friday 8 December after failing to return home from work.
Julie Butcher received a call from Ms Lord at 2.15pm that day but had to cut it short to speak to a client.
Speaking to Sky News on Thursday, Ms Butcher said: “I said could I call her back and she said ‘yes’.”
She later called Ms Lord but could not get through to her.
Ms Butcher said: “I wish I had never answered that call.”
Police: ‘We will pursue all lines of enquiry to understand why she went missing’
Sunday 17 December 2023 11:03 , Maira Butt
In a statement on Saturday, Norfolk Police said they would “pursue all lines of enquiry” to understand why mother-of-three Gaynor Lord went missing over a week ago.
Chief Superintendent Dave Buckley said: “The post-mortem examination has found no signs that any other parties were involved.
“Although our searches have concluded, officers are continuing to work to establish the full circumstances surrounding Gaynor’s disappearance.
“We will pursue all lines of inquiry to understand why she went missing.
“Our thoughts remain with Gaynor’s family at this incredibly difficult time.”
Wensum Park reopened
Sunday 17 December 2023 10:02 , Maira Butt
Norfolk Police have confirmed that Wensum Park, which was closed throughout the investigation into the missing mother Gaynor Lord, has now reopened.
It comes after a body was recovered in the River Wensum on Friday, a week after the mother-of-three went missing.
A post-mortem examination was concluded on Saturday and police are confident there was no third party involvement.
Formal identification due to take place
Sunday 17 December 2023 09:03 , Maira Butt
A post-mortem examination took place on Saturday following the discovery of a body in Wensum Park on Friday in the hunt for missing mother, Gaynor Lord.
Norfolk Police said that “formal identification is due to take place” on Sunday.
Chief Superintendent Dave Buckley, Norfolk’s County Policing Commander, said: “The post-mortem examination has found no signs that any other parties were involved.
“Although our searches have concluded, officers are continuing to work to establish the full circumstances surrounding Gaynor’s disappearance. We will pursue all lines of enquiry to understand why she went missing.
“Our thoughts remain with Gaynor’s family at this incredibly difficult time.”
Gaynor Lord: Unanswered questions over mystery of mother who went missing
Sunday 17 December 2023 08:23 , Maira Butt
Lydia Patrick reports:
Was Ms Lord behaving out of character?
Leaving work was early was unusual for Ms Lord, friends and family have told the police. The force added they “can’t explain” some of the missing woman’s behaviour in the CCTV footage.
One witness saw the 55-year-old ‘practicing yoga’ in the park around the time she went missing.
Rosie Richards said she saw a woman fitting the Ms Lord’s description in the park last Friday.
“She was sort of putting her coat down on the floor and sort of performing a yoga pose. It just seemed a bit off at this time because obviously it was starting to get dark,” Ms Richards added.
Detectives searching for Ms Lord say they have not been able to establish Ms Lord’s state of mind when she went missing with “any degree of confidence”.
Her friend Julie Butcher said she seemed “fine” when they last met on Tuesday last week.
“We were talking. She was a bit busy but we were talking about Christmas and she seemed fine, no different to the usual Gaynor. She was quite upbeat and happy,” Ms Butcher told the BBC.
Unanswered questions over mystery of missing mother who vanished after leaving work
No third-party involvement in death of woman found in river
Sunday 17 December 2023 07:00 , Matt Mathers
Detectives investigating the disappearance of mother-of-three Gaynor Lord have said there is no evidence a third party was involved in the death of a woman whose body was found in a river during the search.
The 55-year-old vanished after leaving work in Norwich city centre early at 2.45pm on December 8.
Full report:
Gaynor Lord search: No third-party involvement in death of woman found in river
Death not suspicious – Norfolk Police
Sunday 17 December 2023 06:00 , Matt Mathers
A Home Office post-mortem examination took place on Saturday morning following the discovery of a body on Friday in the search for missing woman, Gaynor Lord.
The post-mortem examination has found no indications of any third-party involvement. The death is not being treated as suspicious.
Ms Lord’s family has been informed and continue to be supported by specialist officers. Formal identification is due to take place tomorrow.
Chief Superintendent Dave Buckley, Norfolk’s County Policing Commander, said: “The post-mortem examination has found no signs that any other parties were involved.
“Although our searches have concluded, officers are continuing to work to establish the full circumstances surrounding Gaynor’s disappearance. We will pursue all lines of enquiry to understand why she went missing.
“Our thoughts remain with Gaynor’s family at this incredibly difficult time.”
Wensum Park was closed throughout the investigation but has now reopened.
Full timeline of Lord’s last known movements
Sunday 17 December 2023 03:00 , Matt Mathers
Timeline of Gaynor’s last known movements
Norfolk Police have confirmed the timeline of Gaynor’s movements in the city centre:
2.44pm – Gaynor is working at the Bullards Gin counter in the basement at Jarrold department store – her clothing is clearly visible
2.45-2.46pm – She leaves the store via the loading bay on Bedford Street
2.47pm – Walks onto London Street past the Cosy Club
2.48pm – Gaynor makes her way onto Queens Street and walks toward the Cathedral
2.50pm – Gaynor walks into the cathedral grounds
2.57pm – Gaynor walks along Riverside Walk
3.12pm – Gaynor is seen walking back on Riverside Walk, on to Cotman Fields and crosses Bishopgate
3.13pm – Gaynor continues to talk on Riverside Road towards the cathedral
3.22pm – Gaynor is seen on The Close at the cathedral entrance – shortly before exiting through the archway she puts her coat on
3.23pm – She is seen to walk away from the cathedral on Queens Street – here you can see a clear image of the coat she was wearing
3.49pm – This is the last sighting of Gaynor on CCTV near the Playhouse on St George’s Street
3.53pm – Walks along St Crispins Road towards Pitt Street
4.01pm – Gaynor walks up St Augustines Street
4.03pm – Walks on to Baker Street
4.07pm – The final sighting of Gaynor is on Green Hills Road/St Martins Road junction
Mapped: Lord’s last known movements
Sunday 17 December 2023 01:00 , Matt Mathers
Divers searched Norwich river in hunt for missing mother
Saturday 16 December 2023 23:00 , Matt Mathers
Specialist divers scoured the River Wensum on Thursday, 14 December, as the search for Gaynor Lord entered its sixth day.
A white tent was pitched by the water where the 55-year-old’s coat was found by a member of the public on Friday evening (8 December).
The mother-of-three’s belongings, including clothing, two rings, a mobile phone and glasses, were found scattered in the park.
CCTV of Ms Lord’s last-known movements before she went missing in Norwich showed the 55-year-old walking on St Augustines Street at 4.01pm, which was the most recent sighting of her.
Gaynor Lord: Divers search Norwich river in hunt for missing mother
Norfolk reached out to Nicola Bulley police for advice
Saturday 16 December 2023 22:00 , Matt Mathers
The police who searched for Gaynor Lord reached out to the force involved in the hunt for Nicola Bulley for
Lancashire Police confirmed colleagues in Norfolk had been in contact as they tried to find Gaynor Lord, who vanished in similar circumstances.
Full report:
Police searching for missing mother Gaynor Lord reach out to Nicola Bulley force
Where was Lord last seen? CCTV shows missing mother’s last known moments
Saturday 16 December 2023 21:00 , Matt Mathers
Footage shows Gaynor Lord’s last-known movements before she went missing in Norwich on Friday, 8 December.
Police have released CCTV showing the 55-year-old walking to and from the cathedral on Queens Street before continuing to walk along St George’s Street at 3.49pm.
She then walks along St Crispins Road towards Pitt Street and up St Augustines Street at 4.01pm, which was the last sighting of her on CCTV.
“We are particularly keen on hearing from anyone who may have seen Gaynor in the cathedral grounds,” Norwich policing commander Superintendent Wes Hornigold said.
Watch the footage here:
Gaynor Lord: CCTV shows missing mother’s last known moments
‘I said could I call her back and she said “yes”’
Saturday 16 December 2023 20:00 , Matt Mathers
A friend of missing Norwich woman Gaynor Lord has detailed the last phone call she received from her on the day she was last seen, Lucy Neeson reports.
Ms Lord, a mother of three, was reported missing in Norwich last Friday (8 December) after failing to return home from work.
Julie Butcher received a call from Ms Lord at 2.15pm that day but had to cut it short to speak to a client.
Speaking to Sky News on Thursday (14 December), Ms Butcher said: “I said could I call her back and she said ‘yes’.”
She later called Ms Lord but could not get through to her.
Ms Butcher said: “I wish I had never answered that call.”
Listen to the clip here:
Gaynor Lord: Friend of missing mother details last call
Recap: where was Gaynor Lord found?
Saturday 16 December 2023 19:00 , Matt Mathers
Specialist divers pulled a body from a river on Friday morning following a week-long search for missing mother-of-three Gaynor Lord.
Police have been desperately searching for Lord since last Friday after she failed to return home from work in Norwich city centre.
Athena Stavrou reports:
Body pulled from river following a week-long search for missing mother Gaynor Lord
Last known movements of Gaynor Lord in Norwich
Saturday 16 December 2023 18:15 , Barney Davis
Timeline of Gaynor’s last known movements
Saturday 16 December 2023 17:30 , Barney Davis
Norfolk Police have confirmed the timeline of Gaynor’s movements in the city centre:
2.44pm – Gaynor is working at the Bullards Gin counter in the basement at Jarrold department store – her clothing is clearly visible
2.45-2.46pm – She leaves the store via the loading bay on Bedford Street
2.47pm – Walks onto London Street past the Cosy Club
2.48pm – Gaynor makes her way onto Queens Street and walks toward the Cathedral
2.50pm – Gaynor walks into the cathedral grounds
2.57pm – Gaynor walks along Riverside Walk
3.12pm – Gaynor is seen walking back on Riverside Walk, on to Cotman Fields and crosses Bishopgate
3.13pm – Gaynor continues to talk on Riverside Road towards the cathedral
3.22pm – Gaynor is seen on The Close at the cathedral entrance – shortly before exiting through the archway she puts her coat on
3.23pm – She is seen to walk away from the cathedral on Queens Street – here you can see a clear image of the coat she was wearing
3.49pm – This is the last sighting of Gaynor on CCTV near the Playhouse on St George’s Street
3.53pm – Walks along St Crispins Road towards Pitt Street
4.01pm – Gaynor walks up St Augustines Street
4.03pm – Walks on to Baker Street
4.07pm – The final sighting of Gaynor is on Green Hills Road/St Martins Road junction
Death not suspicious Norfolk Police say after body recovered from lake
Saturday 16 December 2023 15:55 , Barney Davis
A Home Office post-mortem examination has taken place this morning following the discovery of a body yesterday in the search for missing woman, Gaynor Lord.
The post-mortem examination has found no indications of any third-party involvement. The death is not being treated as suspicious.
Gaynor’s family have been informed of this latest update and continue to be supported by specialised officers. Formal identification is due to take place tomorrow.
Chief Superintendent Dave Buckley, Norfolk’s County Policing Commander, said: “The post-mortem examination has found no signs that any other parties were involved.
“Although our searches have concluded, officers are continuing to work to establish the full circumstances surrounding Gaynor’s disappearance. We will pursue all lines of enquiry to understand why she went missing.
“Our thoughts remain with Gaynor’s family at this incredibly difficult time.”
Wensum Park was closed throughout the investigation but has now reopened.
Police seeking answers about Gaynor’s behaviour
Saturday 16 December 2023 15:35 , Barney Davis
Norfolk Police have said that they do not know why Gaynor Lord left work early on the day she vanished.
At a media briefing Chief Superintendant Dave Buckley said: “We can’t explain some of her behaviour that day.
“We’re working really closely with family, with friends, with anybody else who might have had contact with her in the recent days or weeks to try and understand why this might have happened.
“People are very shocked by what’s happened. Nobody knows why she’s done what she’s done.”
No evidence of third party involvement after body found in Gaynor Lord search
Saturday 16 December 2023 14:39 , Barney Davis
Police have said there is no evidence of third party involvement after a body was found in the search for missing mother-of-three Gaynor Lord.
Norfolk Police said the body of a female was recovered from the River Wensum in Norwich on Friday, a week after she 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.
A Norfolk Police spokesperson said: “We’ve been able to trace Gaynor’s movements through CCTV in the city and at this stage, we’re satisfied there is no evidence that Gaynor met anybody on the way to the park.
“While this is not the outcome we wished for, our search has always predominantly focused on the river and the park.
“A post-mortem examination will be carried out to establish the cause of death, however I would reiterate that at this stage there is no evidence of third-party involvement. Nothing in our enquiries so far has changed this position.”
No evidence of third party involvement after body found in Gaynor Lord search
Recap: Body pulled from river in search for missing Norwich mother Gaynor Lord
Saturday 16 December 2023 13:51 , Barney Davis
Specialist divers pulled a body from a river on Friday morning following a week-long search for missing mother-of-three Gaynor Lord.
Police have been desperately searching for Lord since last Friday after she failed to return home from work in Norwich city centre.
Her belongings, including a white shirt, two rings, mobile phone and glasses, were discovered in Wensum Park by a member of the public later that evening.
Read the full report by Athena Stavrou
Body pulled from river following a week-long search for missing mother Gaynor Lord
Local MP wishes ‘comfort and strength’ to family after body pulled from river
Saturday 16 December 2023 11:25 , Barney Davis
Labour MP Clive Lewis has reacted to news that a woman’s body was pulled from a river in his constituency.
He wrote: “This is awful news whether it’s Gaynor they’ve found or not.
“Someone has lost their life and their loved ones will be in pieces. My heart goes out to them, and I wish them comfort and strength.”
It came as Gaynor’s daughter also shared the devastating news that the body of a woman had been discovered, friends were quick to offer their support.One wrote: “I am so sorry to read this Charlotte. Have been thinking of you and your family non-stop the last few days.”
A childhood friend added: “So sorry to hear this Charlotte. We all have really fond memories of spending time with your family growing up. Thinking of you all.”
Dean of Norwich opens cathedral to prayers for Gaynor Lord
Saturday 16 December 2023 10:56 , Barney Davis
The Dean of Norwich, the Very Revd Dr Andrew Braddock, who saw the cathedral become a major focus of the search for Gaynor Lord, issued a statement after the discovery of a body.
He said: “Following the latest updates from the police searching for Gaynor Lord, the thoughts and prayers of Norwich Cathedral remain with all her family and friends at this most distressing time.
“As always, the Cathedral is open as a place for people to come and reflect, pray or light a candle.”
It came after a body was removed from the River Wensum close to St Martins Close in Norwich.
Police had focused their search for Gaynor on the river in Wensum Park after items belonging to the mother-of-three were found at the site.
Police ‘working hard’ to uncover reason for entering water
Saturday 16 December 2023 09:43 , Barney Davis
Missing Persons Expert Charlie Hedges analyses the case of Gaynor Lord after Norfolk Police discovered a body in a nearby river.
He told GB News: “It is important to retain an open mind. Police will be working very hard to understand her circumstances or background looking for any information which can point them towards the reason why she went in the water.
“Was it voluntary? They said they ruled out third parties but clearly, they would like to know as much as possible.”
He added he expects the information to be released into the public domain at an appropriate time.
Gaynor’s husband ‘totally lost’ after discovery of body
Saturday 16 December 2023 08:31 , Barney Davis
The body found in the Wensum River has not been formally identified with police treating the death as a missing-person enquiry.
Gaynor’s family are being supported by specialist officers.
A family friend told The Times: “Gaynor’s husband Clive is totally lost.
“He doesn’t understand at all what’s happened.”
Her daughter Alexandra, 22, had been desperately appealing on Facebook for help finding her mum.
She said earlier in the week: “If anyone knows anything, please do contact the police.
“We want her home.”
Gaynor’s other daughter Charlotte, 24, also shared police appeals several times on social media. Her latest tragic update is confirming a body was found.
Police ‘satisfied’ Gaynor didn’t meet anyone before vanishing
Saturday 16 December 2023 08:20 , Barney Davis
Police had been desperately searching for Gaynor Lord since last Friday after she failed to return home from work in Norwich city centre.
Her belongings, including a white shirt, two rings, mobile phone and glasses, were discovered in Wensum Park by a member of the public later that evening.
Chief Superintendent Dave Buckley, Norfolk’s County Policing Commander, said: “We’ve been able to trace Gaynor’s movements through CCTV in the city and at this stage, we’re satisfied there is no evidence that Gaynor met anybody on the way to the park.
“While this is not the outcome we wished for, our search has always predominantly focused on the river and the park.
“A post-mortem examination will be carried out to establish the cause of death, however I would reiterate that at this stage there is no evidence of third-party involvement. Nothing in our enquiries so far has changed this position.”
Timeline of Gaynor’s movements before going missing on Friday 8 December 2023
Saturday 16 December 2023 01:00 , Lydia Patrick
2.44pm – Gaynor is working at the Bullards Gin counter in the basement at Jarrold department store – her clothing is clearly visible
2.45-2.46pm – She leaves the store via the loading bay on Bedford Street
2.47pm – Walks onto London Street past the Cosy Club
2.48pm – Gaynor makes her way onto Queens Street and walks toward the Cathedral
3.22pm – Gaynor is seen on The Close at the cathedral entrance – shortly before exiting through the archway she puts her coat on
3.23pm – She is seen to walk away from the cathedral on Queens Street – here you can see a clear image of the coat she was wearing
3.49pm – This is the last sighting of Gaynor on CCTV near the Playhouse on St George’s Street
3.53pm – Walks along St Crispins Road towards Pitt Street
4.01pm – Gaynor walks up St Augustines Street – her final movements captured in CCTV before going missing
Floral tributes laid for missing mother-of-three
Saturday 16 December 2023 00:00 , Lydia Patrick
Floral tributes to Gaynor Lord have started to be laid near the gates of Wensum Park in Norwich, with three bunches left by 3pm on Friday.
One of them said: “Gaynor may you be at peace. God bless your family.”
Recap: Body pulled from river in search for missing Norwich mother Gaynor Lord
Friday 15 December 2023 23:00 , Sam Rkaina
Specialist divers pulled a body from a river on Friday morning following a week-long search for missing mother-of-three Gaynor Lord.
Police have been desperately searching for Lord since last Friday after she failed to return home from work in Norwich city centre.
Her belongings, including a white shirt, two rings, mobile phone and glasses, were discovered in Wensum Park by a member of the public later that evening.
Read the full report by Athena Stavrou
Body pulled from river following a week-long search for missing mother Gaynor Lord
Watch – CCTV shows missing mother’s last known moments
Friday 15 December 2023 22:00 , Lydia Patrick
Why did she leave work early?
Friday 15 December 2023 19:00 , Lydia Patrick
Ms Lord was at work in Jarrolds department store in Bedford Street, Norwich.
Her shift on Friday was due to end at 4pm but instead she left more than an hour early at 2.45pm. So far, Police have been unable to explain why, and have been informed by friends and family her behaviour was out of character.
Chief Superintendant Dave Buckley gave a media briefing yesterday, he said: “We can’t explain some of her behaviour that day. We’re working really closely with family, with friends, with anybody else who might have had contact with her in the recent days or weeks to try and understand why this might have happened.
“People are very shocked by what’s happened. Nobody knows why she’s done what she’s done.”
Watch – Friend of Gaynor Lord details last call from missing mother
Friday 15 December 2023 18:30 , Lydia Patrick
Was she behaving out of character?
Friday 15 December 2023 18:00 , Lydia Patrick
Leaving work was early was unusual for Ms Lord, friends and family have told the police. The force added they “can’t explain” some of the missing woman’s behaviour in the CCTV footage.
One witness saw the 55-year-old ‘practicing yoga’ in the park around the time she went missing.
Rosie Richards said she saw a woman fitting the Ms Lord’s description in the park last Friday.
“She was sort of putting her coat down on the floor and sort of performing a yoga pose. It just seemed a bit off at this time because obviously it was starting to get dark,” Ms Richards added.
Detectives searching for Ms Lord say they have not been able to establish Ms Lord’s state of mind when she went missing with “any degree of confidence”.
Her friend Julie Butcher said she seemed “fine” when they last met on Tuesday last week.
“We were talking. She was a bit busy but we were talking about Christmas and she seemed fine, no different to the usual Gaynor. She was quite upbeat and happy,” Ms Butcher told the BBC.
The latest police update as officers confirmed they found a body
Friday 15 December 2023 17:30 , Lydia Patrick
Gaynor Lord police give update after body found in search for missing mother
What happened to her possessions?
Friday 15 December 2023 17:00 , Lydia Patrick
Police have found a number of her belongings scattered in Wensum Park next to the river where they are conducting the main search.
Clothing, a mobile phone and glasses were found dispersed around the park 1.5 miles from her workplace in a department store. Her coat was found in the River Wensum itself.
Friday 15 December 2023 16:30 , Lydia Patrick
The Dean of Norwich, The Very Revd Dr Andrew Braddock, has offered his support to the family and invites those affected by the tragedy to find respite at Norwich Cathedral.
“Following the latest updates from the police searching for Gaynor Lord, the thoughts and prayers of Norwich Cathedral remain with all her family and friends at this most distressing time.
“As always, the Cathedral is open as a place for people to come and reflect, pray or light… pic.twitter.com/km0ZcS9kyX— Norwich Cathedral (@Nrw_Cathedral) December 15, 2023
The missed call to a friend
Friday 15 December 2023 16:00 , Lydia Patrick
On the day Ms Lord disappeared, her friend Ms Butcher said she was called by her twice.
The first call she received was at 2.15pm, 30 minutes before Ms Lord left her place of work early, Ms Butcher told LBC.
She says Ms Lord was calling to ask her whereabouts. Ms Butcher picked up but said she had to go as she was sorting her internet and and a client called her, but she would return the call.
When she tried to return the call a few minutes later and then again after more time had passed, she could not get through, she told the broadcaster.
She received another call at 4.15pm, 15 minutes after she was last seen on CCTV, which sounded like a pocket dial, Ms Butcher said.
“I keep going over the conversation,” Ms Butcher said. “If I hadn’t answered that call [from her client] would she have talked to me? I feel terrible. I feel so sorry for the family.
“It’s not like Gaynor to do this,” she told the BBC.
Timeline of last known movements of missing mother-of-three Gaynor Lord
Friday 15 December 2023 15:40 , Lydia Patrick
Police have been carrying out a massive search for mother-of-three Gaynor Lord who has been missing for more than six days after leaving early from her work at a Norwich department store.
Here is a timeline of what we know of the last movements of the 55-year-old and of the investigation by Norfolk Constabulary into her disappearance in Norwich.
Read the full story here
Timeline of last known movements of missing mother-of-three Gaynor Lord
Where was the body found?
Friday 15 December 2023 15:23 , Lydia Patrick
Specialist divers have pulled a body from the river in their week-long search for missing mother Gaynor Lord.
The body was found in the River Wensum, which runs through the park Ms Lord’s belongings were found in last Friday.
According to local reports, the body was found several hundred metres south of the park.
Divers were seen diverting to a specific spot in the river marked out by an orange buoy at 11am this morning and the body was found nearby at around 12pm.
The spot is around 100 metres down stream from where the focus of Thursday’s search took place.
Mapped – Last known movements of Gaynor Lord in Norwich
Friday 15 December 2023 15:00 , Lydia Patrick
Watch – Police give update after body found in search for missing mother
Friday 15 December 2023 14:53 , Lydia Patrick
Media Briefing – Still a missing persons case
Friday 15 December 2023 14:48 , Lydia Patrick
Chief Superintendent Dave Buckley confirmed the finding of a body in the River Wensum but no formal identification has taken place.
They are confident based on evidence at this stage that Gaynor did not meet anyone on her way to Wensum Park.
He added: “I would like to thank the media and the public for their continued support through this difficult time.”
Live – Media briefing
Friday 15 December 2023 14:40 , Lydia Patrick
Chief Superintendent Dave Buckley from Norwich Police said their thoughts are with Gaynor Lord’s family who are being supported ‘by a family liaison officer.
The force remain ‘open-minded’ about the circumstances surrounding her disappearance and will contine to pursue all lines of inquiry , he added.
He said: “This remains a missing perons enquiry we are satisfied at the moment that Gaynor did not meet anyone on the way to the park.”
Live- Press briefing after body found in search for missing mother
Friday 15 December 2023 14:34 , Lydia Patrick
Police are now giving an update from the scene after a body was recovered during the search for Gaynor Lord.
Updates to follow
Was she behaving out of character?
Friday 15 December 2023 14:15 , Lydia Patrick
Leaving work was early was unusual for Ms Lord, friends and family have told the police. The force added they “can’t explain” some of the missing woman’s behaviour in the CCTV footage.
One witness saw the 55-year-old ‘practicing yoga’ in the park around the time she went missing.
Rosie Richards said she saw a woman fitting the Ms Lord’s description in the park last Friday.
“She was sort of putting her coat down on the floor and sort of performing a yoga pose. It just seemed a bit off at this time because obviously it was starting to get dark,” Ms Richards added.
Detectives searching for Ms Lord say they have not been able to establish Ms Lord’s state of mind when she went missing with “any degree of confidence”.
Her friend Julie Butcher said she seemed “fine” when they last met on Tuesday last week.
“We were talking. She was a bit busy but we were talking about Christmas and she seemed fine, no different to the usual Gaynor. She was quite upbeat and happy,” Ms Butcher told the BBC.
Why did she leave work early?
Friday 15 December 2023 13:45 , Lydia Patrick
Ms Lord was at work in Jarrolds department store in Bedford Street, Norwich.
Her shift on Friday was due to end at 4pm but instead she left more than an hour early at 2.45pm. So far, Police have been unable to explain why, and have been informed by friends and family her behaviour was out of character.
Chief Superintendant Dave Buckley gave a media briefing today, he said: “We can’t explain some of her behaviour that day. We’re working really closely with family, with friends, with anybody else who might have had contact with her in the recent days or weeks to try and understand why this might have happened.
“People are very shocked by what’s happened. Nobody knows why she’s done what she’s done.”
What happened to Lord Gaynor’s posessions?
Friday 15 December 2023 13:30 , Lydia Patrick
Police have found a number of her belongings scattered in Wensum Park next to the river where they are conducting the main search.
Clothing, a mobile phone and glasses were found dispersed around the park 1.5 miles from her workplace in a department store. Her coat was found in the River Wensum itself.
Chief Superintendent Dave Buckley from Norfolk Police said yesterday: “We’re putting sonar equipment across the river, which is quite detailed in allowing us to try and target divers to where we think there might be objects.
“But equally, it’s very, very challenging. The river is very, very full of water with all the rain, full of lots of debris. The divers can see about one foot in front of them.
“So it’s an extraordinarily challenging environment for them to work in so it’s slow, methodical at the moment, working with equipment and it will take probably a couple of days to get to a position where we’re kind of content with what we’ve done. It may even be longer.”
Since a body has been found in the search for the missing mother.
Where was the body found?
Friday 15 December 2023 13:14 , Athena Stavrou
Specialist divers have pulled a body from the river in their week-long search for missing mother Gaynor Lord.
The body was found in the River Wensum, which runs through the park Ms Lord’s belongings were found in last Friday.
According to local reports, the body was found several hundred metres south of the park.
Divers were seen diverting to a specific spot in the river marked out by an orange buoy at 11am this morning and the body was found nearby at around 12pm.
The spot is around 100 metres down stream from where the focus of Thursday’s search took place.
Family informed after police find body
Friday 15 December 2023 12:56 , Athena Stavrou
While no formal identification has taken place on the body yet, police said Gaynor Lord’s family have been informed.
A body was recovered from the River Wensum by dive specialists on Friday, following a week of searching for the missing mother-of-three.
A Norfolk Police spokesperson said: “While the body hasn’t formally been identified, Gaynor’s family have been informed. They continue to be supported by specially trained officers.”
Underwater divers find body in river
Friday 15 December 2023 12:42 , Athena Stavrou
Underwater divers have pulled a body from the River Wensum following a week of intense searching for Gaynor Lord.
Norfolk Police confirmed the find on Friday after divers were seen diverting to a specific spot in the river marked out by an orange buoy at 11am.
Divers were pictured pulling a a large object in black bag from the river next to where the buoy was positioned.
The force said: “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.”
Body found in search for missing mother
Friday 15 December 2023 12:30 , Athena Stavrou
Norfolk Police have confirmed a body has been found in the search for Gaynor Lord on Friday morning.
The body was found in the river by underwater search teams this morning and has now been recovered from the water.
A spokesperson said: “While the body hasn’t formally been identified, Gaynor’s family have been informed. They continue to be supported by specially trained officers.”
Gaynor Lord told colleague she ‘felt off’ before disappearance
Friday 15 December 2023 12:05 , Athena Stavrou
A colleague of Gaynor Lord said she told them she felt “a bit off” before she disappeared last Friday.
The mother-of-three left work at Jarrolds department store over an hour early on the day she went missing.
CCTV captured her leaving at 2:45pm before walking through Norwich city centre before she was last seen at just after 4pm.
A shop assistant told The Sun that she “shook her hands” when she saw her on either Thursday or Friday and claimed Ms Lord said: “I feel a bit funny, a bit off today.”
Another colleague told the newspaper that the 55-year-old did not tell colleagues why she left early and said she didn’t show any signs of distress.
Dive team searching specific spot of river
Friday 15 December 2023 11:37 , Athena Stavrou
Police have marked out a specific spot in the River Wensum this morning as they continue their search for Gaynor Lord.
A police diving team is checking a specific part of the river and an orange buoy has been placed on the spot on Friday morning.
The buoy was positioned at around 100 metres down stream from where the main focus of Thursday’s search for Ms Lord had taken place.
Divers with flippers could be seen ready to enter the water in a park area further along the river but after a phone call was received, their kit was packed up and personnel got back in their truck and rediverted.
An Environment Agency search boat was stationed next to the buoy on Friday morning as a dive team truck arrived at the area just after 11am.
Two members of the dive team could be seen surveying the area, appearing to check if the water was safe to enter.
Pictures: Gaynor Lord’s route through Norwich before disappearance
Friday 15 December 2023 11:03 , Athena Stavrou
Police have released CCTV footage of Gaynor Lord in the hours before she went missing.
The mother-of-three left work early at Jarrolds department store at 2:45pm and was last seen by CCTV at 4:01pm walking up St Augustines Street.
Police later found her belongings scattered at Wensum Park, and are now searching the river that runs through the area.
In between, Ms Lord was seen jogging up streets in Norwich and spending some time on Norwich Cathedral grounds.
Here are pictures of her final known locations before she went missing:
Search teams return to River Wensum as search continues
Friday 15 December 2023 10:43 , Athena Stavrou
Norfolk Police search teams have been pictured returning to the water on Friday morning as the major search for Gaynor Lord continues into its seventh day.
Specialist underwater search teams have been deployed to scour the River Wensum, after the missing mother’s belongings were found in Wensum Park and her coat in the water on Friday.
Police are looking into multiple lines of inquiry but said they are confident that Ms Lord entered the water.
Gaynor Lord ‘seemed upbeat’ before disappearance
Friday 15 December 2023 10:22 , Athena Stavrou
A friend of Gaynor Lord said that the missing mother seemed “upbeat” days before her mysterious disappearance.
Speaking to the BBC, Julie Butcher said Ms Lord seemed “fine” when they met on Tuesday last week – three days before her disappearance.
“We were talking. She was a bit busy but we were talking about Christmas and she seemed fine, no different to the usual Gaynor. She was quite upbeat and happy,” Ms Butcher said
Ms Butcher also told the BBC she spoke to her friend at 2.15pm on Friday but she had to cut the call short to speak to a client.
Ms Butcher said she returned the call but could not get through.
She then received another call form Ms Lord at 4.15pm but it “sounded like a pocket call – I could hear movement in her pocket”.
Department store Gaynor Lord worked before going missing assisting police enquiries
Friday 15 December 2023 09:46 , Athena Stavrou
The department store that Gaynor Lord was working at before going missing told The Independent that they are helping police in their investigation.
Ms Lord was reported missing on Friday after she failed to return home from her shift at the Bullards Gin counter at Jarrolds department store in Norwich city centre.
She left work at around 2:45pm, over an hour before her shift was supposed to end, and was captured on CCTV walking through the city.
When approached by The Independent, Jarrolds said: “We are helping the Police with their enquiries and are not in a position to say any more at this time.”
Unanswered questions over mystery of missing mother
Friday 15 December 2023 09:24 , Athena Stavrou
Police are continuing their search for the missing mother-of-three Gaynor Lord who vanished last week – with many questions still unanswered.
The 55-year-old left her workplace at Jarold Deparment store early at 2:46pm in Norwich last Friday and has not been seen since.
She was spotted walking towards Norwich Cathedral and then she walked back along Queen Street. She was seen in various locations around Norwich until her final CCTV spotting where she was walking up St Augustine’s street at 4.01pm.
Ms Lord’s belongings, including clothing, two rings, a mobile phone and glasses, were found scattered in Wensum Park – around 1.5 miles from her workplace.
Norfolk Police believe the most likely outcome is finding her in the River Wensum where divers are carrying out a meticulous search.
Below my colleague Lydia Patrick looks at some of the unanswered questions including what happened to her possessions, why she left work early, and whether she was behaving out of character:
Unanswered questions over mystery of missing mother who vanished after leaving work
What are police doing today?
Friday 15 December 2023 09:01 , Athena Stavrou
As the search for Gaynor Lord enters its seventh day, police will continue to scour areas of interest for clues in the case.
Specialist underwater search teams will continue to operate in the River Wensum on Friday, using sonar technology to assist.
Norfolk Police said yesterday that they expect the search could take “a couple of days” or longer due to the “challenging conditions” the river poses.
Police are following several lines of inquiry and keeping their mind open. One line of inquiry they are looking into is about Ms Lord’s state of mind before she went missing.
As of Thursday afternoon, 30 witnesses had come forward to give information to the police. They are appealing for more witnesses to hopefully provide new leads.
They are working on the hypothesis that Ms Lord went into the water at Wensum Park, and so the search will continue to be focused there.
Watch: Friend of missing mother details last call
Friday 15 December 2023 08:10 , Athena Stavrou
A friend of missing Norwich woman Gaynor Lord has detailed the last phone call she received from her on the day she was last seen.
Julie Butcher received a call from Ms Lord at 2.15pm that day but had to cut it short to speak to a client and said she woudl call her back.
She later called Ms Lord but could not get through to her.
Ms Butcher said: “I wish I had never answered that call.”
What we know on Friday morning
Friday 15 December 2023 07:47 , Athena Stavrou
As daylight breaks on Friday morning, here’s the latest updates on the search for Gaynor Lord:
– A friend of Ms Lord told LBC that she received two calls on the day she disappeared. One call was made at 2:15pm, around 30 minutes before Ms Lord left work early. The second call was mysteriously made 4:15pm, 15 minutes after the 55-year-old was last seen on CCTV.
– Police have said the search could “take days” or longer as divers are working in an “extraordinarily challenging environment”. Speaking to reporters yesterday, they said divers could only see one foot in front of them and were using sonar equipment to assist the search.
– While they are “keeping an open mind”, Norfolk Police say they are working with the hypothesis that Ms Lord entered the Water at Wensum Park.
– Police confirmed that the search will continue today and we are expecting several updates throughout the day as we are now one week into the mother-of-three’s disappearance.
Watch – Newly released CCTV footage shows mother’s last sighting before disappearing
Friday 15 December 2023 06:15 , Lydia Patrick
Police searching for Gaynor Lord reach out to Nicola Bulley force over hunt for missing mother
Friday 15 December 2023 05:15 , Lydia Patrick
The police hunting for a missing mother have reached out to the force involved in the hunt for Nicola Bulley.
Lancashire Police has confirmed colleagues in Norfolk have been in contact as they try and find Gaynor Lord, who vanished in similar circumstances. Ms Lord, 55, was last seen on Friday afternoon after she left work early from Norwich city centre.
Her belongings, including clothing, two rings, a mobile phone and glasses, were found scattered in Wensum Park – around 1.5 miles from her workplace. Her coat was discovered in the River Wensum, which runs through the park.
Read the full story here
Police searching for missing mother Gaynor Lord reach out to Nicola Bulley force
How long will the search take?
Friday 15 December 2023 04:15 , Lydia Patrick
Specialist divers are working in an “extraordinarily challenging environment” and it will take “a couple of days” or longer to complete the search of the stretch of the River Wensum where Gaynor Lord is thought to have entered the water, police said.
Chief Superintendent Buckley added: “We’re putting sonar equipment across the river, which is quite detailed in allowing us to try and target divers to where we think there might be objects.
“But equally, it’s very, very challenging. The river is very, very full of water with all the rain, full of lots of debris. The divers can see about one foot in front of them.
“So it’s an extraordinarily challenging environment for them to work in so it’s slow, methodical at the moment, working with equipment and it will take probably a couple of days to get to a position where we’re kind of content with what we’ve done. It may even be longer.”
A friend of Ms Lord, said she was called twice by the missing mother-of-three on the day she disappeared.
Friday 15 December 2023 02:14 , Lydia Patrick
The first call Juilie Butcher received was at 2.15pm, 30 minutes before Ms Lord left her place of work.
Ms Butcher told LBC Ms Lord was phoning to ask where she was.
Ms Butcher told Ms Lord she was home but she had to answer the phone to one of the clients but that she’d call back, report LBC.
When she tried to return the call a few minutes later and then again after more time had passed, she could not get through. she told the broadcaster.
She received another call at 4:15pm, 15 minutes after she was last seen on CCTV, which sounded like a pocket dial, Ms Butcher said.
“I keep going over the conversation,” Ms Butcher said. “If I hadn’t answered that call [from her client] would she have talked to me? I feel terrible. I feel so sorry for the family.
“It’s not like Gaynor to do this,” she told the BBC
Gaynor Lord was ‘upbeat and happy’ days before she disappeared, says friend
Friday 15 December 2023 01:00 , Lydia Patrick
Missing mother-of-three Gaynor Lord was “upbeat and happy” and talking about Christmas just days before she disappeared, a friend has said.
Detectives searching for Ms Lord say they have not been able to establish Ms Lord’s state of mind when she went missing with “any degree of confidence”.
Her friend Julie Butcher said she seemed “fine” when they last met on Tuesday last week.
“We were talking. She was a bit busy but we were talking about Christmas and she seemed fine, no different to the usual Gaynor. She was quite upbeat and happy,” Ms Butcher told the BBC.
Missing mother’s family makes desperate plea
Friday 15 December 2023 00:15 , Lydia Patrick
Gaynor Lord’s stepbrother has made a desperate plea for anyone with information on the missing mother-of-three to come forward.
Speaking to The Sun, Allan Weston said Ms Lord’s disapearance was “proper out of character”.
“We just hope she comes back safe. If anyone does know anything please come forward,” he said.
“It’s been a few days now since she went missing so we are very worried. This is proper out of character. She has never gone missing or anything like that before.”
Ms Lord was last seen at 2:44pm on Friday working at a gin concession at Jarrolds department in Norwich.
Her belongings were found in Wensum Park – around 1.5 miles from her workplace.
This morning, a witness said she saw someone matching the 55-year-old’s description putting her coat on the floor and doing a yoga pose.
Ms Lord’s coat was later found in the River Wensum, which police are currently searching.
New CCTV shows missing Norwich mother Gaynor Lord’s last sighting
Thursday 14 December 2023 23:00 , Lydia Patrick
New CCTV shows missing Norwich mother Gaynor Lord’s last sighting
Timeline of Gaynor Lord’s movements before going missing
Thursday 14 December 2023 22:00 , Lydia Patrick
2:44pm: Gaynor Lord is working at the Bullards Gin counter in the basement at Jarrold department store in Norwich.
2:45pm: She leaves the store via the loading bay on Bedford Street.
2.48pm: Ms Lord makes her way onto Queens Street and walks toward the Cathedral.
3:22pm: She is seen on The Close at the cathedral entrance, she puts her coat on before exiting through the archway.
4:01pm – Ms Lord walks up St Augustines Street – her final movements captured in CCTV before going missing.
ICYMI – Gaynor Lord eyewitness who saw mother before she went missing speaks out
Thursday 14 December 2023 21:00 , Lydia Patrick
Gaynor Lord’s friend said she received two calls from her on day she vanished
Thursday 14 December 2023 20:41 , Lydia Patrick
Julie Butcher, a friend of Ms Lord, said she was called twice by the missing mother-of-three on the day she disappeared.
The first call she received was at 2.15pm, 30 minutes before Ms Lord left her place of work.
Ms Butcher told LBC Ms Lord was phoning to ask where she was.
Ms Butcher told Ms Lord she was home but she had to answer the phone to one of the clients but that she’d call back, report LBC.
When she tried to return the call a few minutes later and then again after more time had passed, she could not get through. she told the broadcaster.
She received another call at 4:15pm, 15 minutes after she was last seen on CCTV, which sounded like a pocket dial, Ms Butcher said.
“I keep going over the conversation,” Ms Butcher said. “If I hadn’t answered that call [from her client] would she have talked to me? I feel terrible. I feel so sorry for the family.
“It’s not like Gaynor to do this,” she told the BBC
Gaynor Lord was ‘upbeat and happy’ days before she disappeared, says friend
Thursday 14 December 2023 20:35 , Lydia Patrick
Missing mother-of-three Gaynor Lord was “upbeat and happy” and talking about Christmas just days before she disappeared, a friend has said.
Detectives searching for Ms Lord say they have not been able to establish Ms Lord’s state of mind when she went missing with “any degree of confidence”.
Her friend Julie Butcher said she seemed “fine” when they last met on Tuesday last week.
“We were talking. She was a bit busy but we were talking about Christmas and she seemed fine, no different to the usual Gaynor. She was quite upbeat and happy,” Ms Butcher told the BBC.
Watch – Police say 30 people have come forward with information
Thursday 14 December 2023 20:00 , Lydia Patrick
Police searching for Gaynor Lord reach out to Nicola Bulley force over hunt for missing mother
Thursday 14 December 2023 19:30 , Lydia Patrick
The police hunting for a missing mother have reached out to the force involved in the hunt for Nicola Bulley.
Lancashire Police has confirmed colleagues in Norfolk have been in contact as they try and find Gaynor Lord, who vanished in similar circumstances. Ms Lord, 55, was last seen on Friday afternoon after she left work early from Norwich city centre.
Her belongings, including clothing, two rings, a mobile phone and glasses, were found scattered in Wensum Park – around 1.5 miles from her workplace. Her coat was discovered in the River Wensum, which runs through the park.
Read the full story here
Police searching for missing mother Gaynor Lord reach out to Nicola Bulley force
Mapped- Gaynor Lord’s last known movements
Thursday 14 December 2023 19:00 , Lydia Patrick
How long will the river search take?
Thursday 14 December 2023 18:30 , Lydia Patrick
Only time will tell as divers navigate the tough conditions.
Speaking to media at the scene, Chief Superintendent Dave Buckley said it will take “a couple of days” or longer to complete the search of the stretch of river.
“We’re putting sonar equipment across the river, which is quite detailed in allowing us to try and target divers to where we think there might be objects,” he said.
“But equally, it’s very, very challenging. The river is very, very full of water with all the rain, full of lots of debris. The divers can see about one foot in front of them.
“So it’s an extraordinarily challenging environment for them to work in so it’s slow, methodical at the moment, working with equipment and it will take probably a couple of days to get to a position where we’re kind of content with what we’ve done. It may even be longer.”
River Wensum poses challenges for search misison
Thursday 14 December 2023 18:00 , Lydia Patrick
Underwater searches have been continuing today in Wensum Park in Norwich as the search for missing Gaynor Lord enters its seventh day.
There are multiple obstacles divers face as they navigate the murky body of water.
Norfolk police have been conducting on land and underwater searches, whilst liaising with the National Crime Agency (NCA) around specialist underwater capability.
Chief Superintendent Dave Buckley, County Policing Commander, explained the challenging environment search teams are working in.
He said: “We have been speaking to the dive team on site and visibility in the River Wensum is between zero and one foot underwater with temperatures as low as 4 degrees C.
“As soon as you reach one foot in front of you, visibility goes and then there’s obviously leaves, branches, debris, and the flow of the river to contend with, which is the biggest problem because there’s been so much rainfall.
“They’re swimming against the flow of the river, which is very difficult, and searching with next to zero visibility, and in a systematic manner.
“It’s very time consuming because it’s a large area to search and we must make sure we covered every feasible inch of water.”
ICYMI: Gaynor Lord ‘last seen doing yoga’ in park the missing mum’s clothes were found in
Thursday 14 December 2023 17:30 , Athena Stavrou
A witness who saw Gaynor Lord in Wensum Park before she went missing said she seemed calm and was doing yoga.
Rosie Richards said she saw a woman fitting the 55-year-old’s description last Friday as it was beginning to get dark.
Ms Lord’s clothes have been found in the park since her disappearance and specialist underwater search teams are currently searching a nearby river.
“She was sort of putting her coat down on the floor and sort of performing a yoga pose. It just seemed a bit off at this time because obviously it was starting to get dark,” Ms Richards added.
Police appeal for more witnesses
Thursday 14 December 2023 17:00 , Athena Stavrou
Norfolk Police have appealed for more witnesses as their search for missing mother Gaynor Lord continues into it’s sixth day.
Teams including Norfolk Constabulary’s Marine Unit, Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, Coastguard and Norfolk Lowland Search and Rescue have been searching both the surface and under the water of the River Wensum since Friday.
The force has also received 30 calls from members of the public offering information.
“Our approach has been to conduct thorough and systematic searches of the area. This resulted in further items belonging to Gaynor being found over the weekend, her mobile phone, coat, ring, and glasses,” Chief Superintendent Dave Buckley said.
“We’ve received 15 calls so far in response to our appeal yesterday and we’re grateful for the public’s help. While this information is still being assessed, currently there is nothing of significance that changes our approach.
“This remains a missing person investigation and every effort continues to find Gaynor, including tracing her final movements in the city centre.”
Timeline and map of Gaynor Lord’s movements before going missing
Thursday 14 December 2023 16:30 , Athena Stavrou
2:44pm: Gaynor Lord is working at the Bullards Gin counter in the basement at Jarrold department store in Norwich.
2:45pm: She leaves the store via the loading bay on Bedford Street.
2.48pm: Ms Lord makes her way onto Queens Street and walks toward the Cathedral.
3:22pm: She is seen on The Close at the cathedral entrance, she puts her coat on before exiting through the archway.
4:01pm – Ms Lord walks up St Augustines Street – her final movements captured in CCTV before going missing.
Officers have ‘some indications’ on why Lord left work early
Thursday 14 December 2023 16:00 , Athena Stavrou
Norfolk Police have “some indications” on why Gaynor Lord left work early before going missing on Friday.
The mother-of-three was seen leaving work six days ago and walking through Norwich city centre in a hurry before last being seen in Winsum Park.
“We’ve got some indications as to why she behaved the way in which she did but what we’re doing is we’re just working backwards now to actually truly understand what may have taken place,” Chief Superintendent Dave Buckley told reporters.
“We’re just cautious of everything we know at the moment because clearly we’ve ended up in the situation we have which is not usual.
“I don’t think any of the conversations we’ve had are completely informing us as to why her state of mind ended up being what it was.”
Police searching for Gaynor Lord reach out to Nicola Bulley force
Thursday 14 December 2023 15:34 , Athena Stavrou
The police hunting for mother Gaynor Lord have reached out to the force involved in the hunt for Nicola Bulley.
Norfolk police is attempting to learn lessons from Lancashire Constabulary, which handled the search for missing mother Ms Bulley, who disappeared after dropping her two daughters at school in St Michael’s on Wyre, Lancashire, earlier this year.
Police Superintendant Dave Buckley from Norfolk Police confirmed in a press briefing on Thursday that they had contacted Lancashire Police to ask for anything they can learn from the case.
At the time, the force was criticised over its handling of the investigation and the disclosure of Ms Bulley’s personal information.
“They are helping us,” Superintendent Buckley said: “When that case was concluded, the College of Policing along with the National Crime Agency did an awful lot of work to then look at what can be learned, what can be applied.
“It may be in terms of search tactics, it may be in terms of how the police interact and ask the public for help.”
On Thursday, a Lancashire Police spokesperson told The Independent: “While we have not been asked for any officers or search resources, we will provide any support or advice as requested.”
Police not been able to establish Gaynor Lord’s state of mind before disappearance
Thursday 14 December 2023 15:18 , Athena Stavrou
Chief Superintendent Dave Buckley of Norfolk Police said officers had not been able to establish missing Gaynor Lord’s state of mind with “any degree of confidence”.
“There’s nothing we’ve been able to establish that really gives us a clear position on her state of mind that I would feel any degree of confidence of saying what we think it is at the moment,” he said.
“We continue to talk to friends, family, anybody who can help us that we know she’s had contact with.”
He said that officers are looking through her mobile phone for evidence but added that it would be “premature” to offer suggestions as to what he thought had happened.
It comes as he told reporters that they “can’t explain” the 55-year-old’s behaviour in the lead up to her disappearance.
Search could take ‘days or longer’ to complete
Thursday 14 December 2023 14:57 , Athena Stavrou
Norfolk Police have said the search for Gaynor Lord could take “a couple of days” or longer as specialist divers face an “extraordinarily challenging environment”.
Speaking to media at Wensum Park in Norwich, Chief Superintendent Dave Buckley said: “The river is very, very full of water with all the rain, full of lots of debris. The divers can see about one foot in front of them.
“So it’s an extraordinarily challenging environment for them to work in so it’s slow, methodical at the moment, working with equipment and it will take probably a couple of days to get to a position where we’re kind of content with what we’ve done.
“It may even be longer.”
He added that divers are putting sonar equipment across the river to assist in the search.
Watch: Police say 30 people have come forward with information
Thursday 14 December 2023 14:46 , Athena Stavrou
Norfolk police have issued an update on the ongoing search for Gaynor Lord.
Chief Superintendent Dave Buckley told reporters at Wensum Park that 30 people had come forward with information and that the force is pursuing several lines of inquiry.
He said: “Everything we know is pointing to a high probability that Gaynor went into the water. That would be from CCTV, the very limited witnesses we’ve got at the moment and other lines of inquiry we’re pursuing.”
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent’s website