Norwich woman whose belongings were found by a river 'most likely entered the water'
Gaynor Lord hasn't been seen since Friday
Last updated 13th Dec 2023
A missing woman whose possessions were found in a riverside park in Norwich last week is most likely to have "entered the water", police have said.
Mother-of-three Gaynor Lord was last seen on Friday afternoon as she left work early from Norwich city centre.
Several hours later, the 55-year-old's belongings were reported found in Wensum Park - around 1.5 miles away from her workplace.
Ms Lord's clothing, mobile phone, glasses and jewellery - including two rings, were discovered at various locations in the park.
Her coat was found in the River Wensum in the park.
Police managed to identify the items as Ms Lord's using an ID in her bag, and when they visited her home they discovered she had not returned.
They said her disappearance is "out of character" and Wensum Park has been closed since Saturday.
Footage shows specialist officers searching the water and sonar equipment has reportedly been deployed, but turned up nothing.
"There is a real possibility she has entered the water"
On Tuesday, four days into the search, Superintendent Wes Hornigold said: "Gaynor left work early and didn't take her normal route home.
"We haven't been able to establish why she left early and her disappearance is out of character so we are naturally concerned for her welfare.
"There's no evidence that Gaynor has come to harm and while we have a number of inquiries ongoing, given where her clothing was found and other items, there is a real possibility she has entered the water.
"We've been liaising with the National Crime Agency (NCA) who have given advice around specialist underwater dive teams and we're seeking assistance from forces with this capability. We hope resources will be on the ground later today Tuesday or tomorrow.
"This is clearly a distressing time for her family. We have specialist officers supporting them and continue to keep them updated of our ongoing work."
Left work early
Ms Lord worked as a retail assistant for Bullards Gin at Jarrolds department store in Norwich city centre.
She finished work at 2.45pm on Friday afternoon, despite not being due to leave until 4pm.
CCTV captureed her leaving the store on Bedford Street and she was last seen on London Street walking towards Norwich Cathedral.
Her possessions were reported found in the park at 8.10pm, and it was established that she was missing.
On Monday, sonar equipment was deployed by Norfolk Police's marine unit, Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, and the coastguard - but nothing was discovered.
The search of the River Wensum resumed on Tuesday and the park was once again closed the public.
Drones and teams in inflatable boats were seen in the river.
When she disappeared, Ms Lord was wearing a white shirt and yellow tank top with a large olive-colour coat over the top with a scarf.
She is described as white, 5ft 6ins tall, and has a blonde shoulder-length bob.