Search area for 75-year-old, missing for a week, extended after sighting

Volunteers come together to help find missing June Turner, 75. Photo: Brittany Woodman (Image: Archant)

About 25 volunteers have been distributing leaflets and putting up posters around North Walsham in the search for June Turner.

And they have been talking to people about her at different locations in the area.

Ms Turner, of Bacton Road, was reported missing at 12.15pm on Tuesday, October 22. She was last seen near to her home at the Sainsbury's fuelling garage at around 8am on Monday, October 21, and a CCTV image of her at the supermarket has been released by police.

Ms Turner, who suffers from Parkinson's disease but lives alone, bought a newspaper from the store which she left at her home afterwards.

Chief Inspector Matt Dyson said an area measuring 1.5km from her home had been searched with the help of police dogs, helicopters and drones. And they were now extending the search to the wider area.

He said: "I was really warmed to see so many people come out to help in the search.

"We have had a number of reported sightings of June following her visit to Sainsbury's, and each one is being individually assessed.

"A person reported seeing her on Yarmouth Road, going out of town, about 12 hours after her last sighting."

He added that, while they were trying to retain some level of hope for the family, concerns were growing.

Sgt Toby Gosden, from the safer neighbourhood partnership, said: "We want to keep interest up as high as we can. June is about 5ft tall, and has quite a distinctive walk and clothing."

Among the volunteers was Jocelyn Rowbotham, who said: "It's about pulling together as a community. While I don't know her, I feel it's up to us to help as much as we can."

Ms Turner has a sister Doreen Sayer, 79, and niece Sharon Humphrey in the town and they issued an appeal for help on the weekend.

Anyone who may have seen Ms Turner should call Norfolk police immediately on 101 quoting CAD 156 of Tuesday, October 22.