Fresh searches for missing Orleton woman
The senior police officer leading the investigation into the disappearance of a 63-year-old woman from Herefordshire last month, has today confirmed that fresh searches are to be carried out in and around the village of Orleton in an attempt to find new evidence that might help establish her whereabouts.
Mrs Alethea Taylor - who is described as being white, around 5ft 7inches tall and as having short, dark but slightly greying hair - was last seen at around 8.30am on Thursday 19 January when her husband left their home in Orleton for work.
There was no sign of her when he returned home at 4pm.
With committed assistance from more than 80 local residents, West Mercia Police teams - including dog handlers - scoured the village and surrounding countryside in the days following Alethea's disappearance looking for clues relating to where she had gone.
In addition, members of the Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) focused their efforts on streams and other water courses, while the Longtown Mountain Rescue team also brought their dogs to help with the search.
Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of everyone involved, no trace of Alethea was found.
Speaking about the fresh searches, Detective Inspector Dave Williams, who is based in CID in Hereford, said:
"We have been working with the NPIA (National Policing Improvement Agency) in relation to the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Alethea Taylor and I can
confirm that further searches will be taking place later this week.
"The searches will involve the use of air support and ground support teams with specialist search dogs and will focus on selected areas in the countryside around the village.
"Due to the passage of time we are now extremely concerned for the welfare of Mrs Taylor, as she has now been missing for over 4 weeks.
"Can I take this opportunity to remind people that anyone who believes they may have information that could help find Mrs Taylor is asked to call West Mercia Police on 0300 333 3000 or 101."
