Witney missing woman, 76, last seen in Nike trainers in town

Thames Valley Police confirmed it was looking for Iona, who was last seen in the town at around 11am on Monday (February 12).

The force has been searching the River Windrush since Monday afternoon when a person was reported in the water.

Drones and helicopters have been used in the operation but nobody has been found after three days.

Detective Inspector Rob Platt said he was becoming “increasingly concerned” for Iona’s welfare.

Missing Iona was last seen in Witney on Monday (Image: TVP)

Police described her as 5ft 6in tall and of slim build.

She was last seen wearing a brown three-quarter length coat with fur around the hood, leggings and black Nike trainers.

Mr Platt said: “We are becoming increasing concerned for Iona’s welfare and are appealing for the public’s help in locating her.

“As part of our enquiries searches were conducted at the River Windrush in Witney however we are keeping an open mind and following all lines of enquiry."

He urged anyone with information to call 999 or visit the force's website, quoting reference number 43240068765. 

Police by the river in Witney (Image: Police)

There has been growing concern in Witney over the past few days as the search for Iona continues. 

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and National Police Air Service have also been involved in the operation. 

An eyewitness of the search told the Oxford Mail that she had found the ordeal "disturbing". 

The woman, who asked not to be named, saw the emergency services arrive at around 1pm on Monday. 

She said: “I was walking past my upstairs window when I saw the fire brigade arrive in a great big truck.

“The firemen donned their wetsuits in the middle of the road, which made me think, ‘oh gosh it’s water’.

“The first two ran off down to the river. They set off at a real gallop. It all seemed quite urgent. You don’t normally see firemen run.

“By this time, police and ambulances had also showed up.

“I was quite perturbed. I immediately thought, ‘it’s half term, I hope it’s not a kid’,

The woman said that “numerous emergency service” vehicles arrived throughout the day and some were in such a hurry they “blocked half the road”.

The leisure centre car park was temporarily closed, she added, and a helicopter was flying overhead for several hours.

"I kept saying to my friend, ‘I wonder how much longer it can stay up there without running out of fuel’," she said.

“It was flying right along the course of the river.

“It’s all quite disturbing.”