Police have new sighting of missing woman

Christine Murton, from Rushmere St Andrew, near Ipswich, has not been seen since she disappeared on 12 November

Police investigating the disappearance of a "vulnerable" 78-year-old woman a week ago say they have made a "breakthrough" with a new sighting.

Christine Murton, from Rushmere St Andrew, near Ipswich, was reported missing on Wednesday, 12 November after leaving her house on foot.

Suffolk Police initially said the last reported sighting of her had been on Purdis Farm Lane at the junction with Purdis Avenue at about 11:36 GMT that day.

Det Supt Tom Pearse said it had now emerged she was also spotted in Nacton that afternoon.

"Last night there was a breakthrough and we have now traced her across the A14 towards Nacton, so the latest sighting we have of Christine is in Nacton, heading towards the cricket club at 14:33 GMT," he said.

"We are increasingly concerned for Christine - she is vulnerable and there is a likelihood that she will be confused and have difficulty maintaining information.

"We will continue our CCTV strategy, and you will see officers in and around the area conducting an anniversary appeal and handing out leaflets."

Ms Murton was spotted on Purdis Farm Lane at the junction with Purdis Avenue at about 11:36 GMT on 12 November, and then in Nacton heading towards the cricket club later that day

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.

On the day she went missing, she was wearing a purple jacket, blue trousers and carrying a large shoulder bag.

Extensive searches have been carried out by police and the Suffolk Lowland Search and Rescue team in the Foxhall, Rushmere and Kesgrave areas.

They have been assisted by drones and the police helicopter, as well as by people checking their sheds, outbuildings and barns.

Searches have been conducted in woodland near Foxhall Stadium

Officers are also trying to locate Ms Murton's car — a blue Toyota Yaris with the registration AV14 JKF — which they believe she may have been looking for.

"Anyone who has seen this car, possibly parked outside their home for some time in the Kesgrave, Rushmere or Foxhall areas, should contact officers," added Det Supt Pearse.

"It could be further afield in the Hadleigh or Raydon areas."

Police said Ms Murton was last seen on Wednesday after leaving her house on foot

The detective added that while most missing person investigations were driven by digital devices and data "this one is different", and therefore the public could "play a crucial role".

Anyone with information is asked to contact Suffolk Police quoting incident number CAD 257 of 12 November.