Community joins search for missing woman, 49

Specialist search teams look for missing Joanne Jones

Local people have joined the search for a 49-year-old woman who has been missing since Monday.

Joanne Jones was last seen on at 09:45 BST on 21 October in Vale Gardens, Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taf, but has not been heard from since.

South Wales Police officers say they believe she headed onto Graigwen Road in the direction of Llanwonno Forest, an area which is currently being scoured by those wanting to help.

CCTV shared by police shows her wearing a dark green coat, black rucksack, leggings, and walking boots.

Police say officers have been "working tirelessly to try and establish the circumstances around her disappearance"

Dashcam images have also confirmed a sighting of her walking on Graigwen Road towards Ynysybwl at about 10.05 on the day she disappeared, while a further witness saw her at Twyn Y Glog in the village at around 12.45.

Chief Insp Matt Rowlands said his team had been "working tirelessly to try and establish the circumstances around her disappearance".

"Officers with specialist search training and equipment have carried out extensive searches for Joanne, including searching wooded areas near to where she was last seen," he added.

"We have also deployed the National Police Air Service, drones, Mountain Rescue volunteers, specialist search dogs and circulated missing person flyers to local dog walkers and hikers.

"We are keeping an open mind about what has happened to Joanne and are continuing to carry out extensive inquiries."

CCTV shared by police shows Joanne Jones wearing a dark green coat, black rucksack, leggings, and walking boots

He also urged those wishing to volunteer in searching for her to take care of the "terrain and conditions" so as not to put themselves in danger.

"Please don’t go out alone; tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return; make sure your mobile phone is fully charged and stick to designated pathways and tracks," he said

Mr Rowlands urged "anyone who has dashcam or doorbell footage in the areas of Graigwen/ Llanwonno/ Perthcelyn/ Ynysybwl from 09:30 BST on Monday morning until now to come forward.

“I understand how distressing this is for Joanne’s family and friends, and we are grateful for the ongoing support offered by the local community over the past few days,” he added.