Police and volunteers searching for missing woman

Christine Murton, from Rushmere St Andrew, near Ipswich, disappeared on 12 November

An investigation into the disappearance of a 78-year-old woman will see a large team of officers and rescue volunteers searching for her.

Christine Murton was reported missing after she left her home in Rushmere St Andrew, near Ipswich, on 12 November.

Her car was later found at a retail park in Pinewood, on the outskirts of Ipswich, but she still remained missing.

Det Supt Tom Pearse said this weekend's searches would be focused on the Nacton and Levington area before moving toward Felixstowe.

"The search is about covering as much ground as we are able to," he explained.

"This weekend we have got 15 specialist officers and we are accompanied by 50 volunteers from Suffolk Lowland Search and Rescue and we are very grateful, as are Christine's family, for their support through this weekend."

He added: "We hope to cover as much ground as possible while at the same time responding to any sightings and any information that continues to come in from the public."

Ms Murton is described as white, of slim build, approximately 5ft 7in tall, with short, dark hair, wearing glasses, and a keen walker who could cover long distances

CCTV footage has been released by Suffolk Police showing Ms Murton on a footpath on the edge of Nacton and walking behind Amberfield Drive in the direction of Decoy Wood on the afternoon she went missing.

She is about 5ft 7in with short dark hair and glasses and was said to be wearing a purple jacket with blue trousers and carrying a large shoulder bag when she went missing.

Det Supt Pearse added Ms Murton's family was still "very concerned", but grateful to those that had given them space.

"They did want me to pass on their personal thanks to all those people that have been out there in the cold, in the rain, this week and last week looking for Christine," he continued.

"They are eternally grateful".