Police are continuing their search for a fifth day in a bid to find a missing woman whose belongings were discovered in “various locations”.
Gaynor Lord, 55, went missing near the River Wensum in Norwich at around 2.35pm last Friday prompting a huge search by police divers, fire crews and coastguard.
The mother of three left early from her work as a retail assistant at Jarrold department store in the city centre despite being due to finish work at 4pm.
She was last seen walking on London Street and heading towards Norwich Cathedral.
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Her belongings were found in Wensum Park by a member of the public who reported it to the police after 8pm.
Police identified Lord from an ID in her handbag and after visiting her home address found she had not returned since leaving work.
Wensum Park has been closed off to the public since Saturday with specialist teams conducting extensive searches of both land and water.
Searches have been carried out in the River Wensum with assistance from the constabulary’s Marine Unit, Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service and the Coastguard.
According to Norfolk Constabulary, Gaynor’s clothing, two rings, her mobile phone and glasses were found in the park in various locations. Her coat was found in the water.
Police have a number of leads to follow in a bid to find Lord.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Wensum Park
Google streetview
COAT IN THE WATER
One clue as to where police are focusing their search comes from where Lord’s coat was found.
Police so far believe Gaynor entered the water on account of the location in which her clothing and possessions were found.
Norwich Policing Commander, Superintendent Wes Hornigold in a statement: “While we have a number of inquiries ongoing, given where her clothing was found and other items, there is a real possibility she has entered the water.
“We’ve been liaising with the National Crime Agency (NCA) who have given advice around specialist underwater dive teams and we’re seeking assistance from forces with this capability.
A number of units are already searching the water for the missing mum.
London Street, Norwich
Google streetview
CLOTHES
Following the discovery of Lord’s clothes, rings and mobile phone on Friday, police believe she may have gone missing while at least partially unclothed.
Her white work shirt, yellow tank top, and jewellery were found spread out at different sites across the city centre park.
At time of writing, police do not believe Lord was attacked prior to her disappearance, with Hornigold saying: “There’s no evidence that Gaynor has come to harm.”
Jarrold’s department store
Google street view
WHY DID SHE LEAVE WORK EARLY?
Another mystery surrounds why Lord left work early and further why she did not take her usual route after leaving Jarrold’s.
Police have advised that they are worried for her welfare as the decision seemed “out of character”.
Hornigold said: “Gaynor left work early and didn’t take her normal route home.
“We haven’t been able to establish why she left early and her disappearance is out of character so we are naturally concerned for her welfare.”
LAST SEEN
Lord was last seen on Friday walking along London Street in Norwich at 2.45pm.
Norfolk Constabulary describes Gaynor as white, 5 ft 6 tall, last seen wearing a white shirt and yellow tank top with a large olive-coloured coat over the top and a scarf. She has blonde shoulder-length hair in a bob.
Anyone with information or who knows of her whereabouts should contact Norfolk Police on 101 quoting incident number 427 of 8 December 2023.
Hornigold added: “This is clearly a distressing time for her family.
“We have specialist officers supporting them and continue to keep them updated of our ongoing work.”
