The family of a woman who went missing five days ago have appealed to volunteers not to put themselves at risk as the search for her continues.
Victoria Taylor, 34, was last seen at 9am on Monday at her home in Malton, North Yorkshire, police said. A CCTV still of her at a garage in the town later that morning has been released.
Extensive searches have been carried out, including by divers, and a number of her personal possessions have been found close to the River Derwent.
Her sisters Emma and Heidi said they were “sick, distraught and lost” and thanked the community for supporting them, but urged people not to put themselves at risk.
“We would like to thank all the emergency services and volunteers who have assisted in the search for Vixx so far,” they said in a statement on Friday.
“The wider local community has also rallied around, and we are eternally grateful for the support that they have given to us, Vixx’s family.
“The police have told us that searches will continue over the weekend for which we are grateful. The water is challenging at the moment due to the recent weather so if people are out searching for Vixx, then please do not put yourself at risk.”
Taylor has been described as white and about 5ft 6in tall. She was last seen wearing blue jeans, a black Adidas Originals padded jacket and a grey Jack Wills hooded jumper. She was carrying a salmon/pink Vans backpack.
A police spokesperson said officers had reviewed hours of CCTV from around Malton where Taylor was last seen, as well as using drones.
Insp Martin Dennison said on Thursday: “We are very concerned about Victoria’s whereabouts and, like her family and friends, just want to see her safe and well. I would urge the public to be cautious if looking for Victoria near the river. Our officers have specialist training and equipment, and they are used to working in various terrains.
“If you do have any information which can help with the search then please call us [on] 101. Any immediate sightings should be reported to 999.”
