Police search woodland for missing woman

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

Police have been searching woodland for a 78-year-old woman who they say they are "becoming increasingly concerned" about.

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

Suffolk Police said Ms Murton was last spotted on Purdis Farm Lane at the junction with Purdis Avenue at about 11:36 GMT.

The force, joined by volunteers from Suffolk Lowland Search and Rescue, have been searching woodland near Foxhall Stadium.

"There have been no further confirmed sightings of Christine since the day she went missing and officers are becoming increasingly concerned for her welfare," said a police spokesperson.

Ch Insp Gary Miller, from Suffolk Police, encouraged people to review any CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage in an effort to find her.

The force issued a CCTV photograph of Ms Murton in the clothes she was believed to have been wearing at the time of her disappearance.

Ms Murton was last spotted on Purdis Farm Lane at the junction with Purdis Avenue at about 11:36 GMT

Police described her as white, of slim build, approximately 5ft 7in in height and with short, dark hair.

She was wearing a purple jacket, blue trousers and carrying a large shoulder bag, and also wears glasses.

The force said she was known to enjoy long walks and said she could have travelled some distance on foot.

Searches have been conducted near where Ms Murton was last seen on Wednesday

Officers were also trying to locate a blue Toyota Yaris which she owned, but confirmed she was believed to be on foot at the time.

A spokesperson said multiple enquiries have been conducted and they were appealing for members of the public to check their outbuildings and to come forward if they had any information.

Ch Insp Gary Miller said the force believed Ms Murton "has lost her car"

Ch Insp Miller said the force had reviewed private CCTV and footage from doorbell cameras which had allowed them "to trace her down to the Purdis Farm area".

"We have been conducting a number of open country searches in order to try and locate Christine.

"She is very used to going out walking in the local area but as the weather is due to get colder that is obviously a concern."

He said the force also believed she had lost her car.