Mystery as cops hunting for missing mum Victoria Taylor find 'belongings' on river bank as drones deployed in search

10/03/2024 06:47 AM

COPS hunting for missing mum Victoria Taylor have found her belongings on a river bank – as drones are deployed in the frantic search.

Victoria Taylor vanished four days ago, with specialist teams now focused at the River Derwent – though her family say police are “not doing enough”.

The 34-year-old nursing home nurse disappeared after leaving her home in Malton, North Yorkshire, on Monday morning, and is understood to have been heading towards a library on Commercial Street in the Norton area.

Underwater experts have been scouring the river, with police saying a number of enquiries are ongoing.

Drones have been spotted at a nearby golf course.

A Facebook group has been set up as part of the search effort, with members of the public encouraging people to put up missing person posters.

Are you involved in the search? Email ryan.merrifield@thesun.co.uk

Many have also joined the search effort itself at the river and surrounding area.

Some were organising to meet at the train station on Wednesday morning.

Victoria’s sister Heidi Baker is among the searchers and said she’s frustrated with the progress and lack of communication from police so far.

She told The Sun this morning: “We need an update from the police, they are not doing enough.

“We’ve just come to the police station and they’re dealing with a [different] high grade case.

“Is our sister not? As a family we are not happy. Where is the police presence?”

She went on to say: “It is now four days since she has been missing and seen heading towards the river. 

“Belongings were found and taken by the police of hers.

“There is no police presence and as a family we’re relying on ourselves and the amazing community effort.”

Speaking alongside her sister Emma Worden at the search site yesterday, she told ITV: “If anyone knows anything, just let us know.”

Holding back tears, Emma added: “Vicky, just come home. We just want her home. She’s got a little baby and her partner. We’re just so worried.”

Writing in group The Search for Victoria Taylor, one person said: “She left her home at 9am Monday morning.

“Someone saw her around that time walking up Commercial Street towards the library but no sightings since then as far as I’m aware.”

Others said they had tried messaging her phone, but their attempts were not being delivered.

Now her phone goes straight to voicemail.

‘WORRIED SICK’

A member of her family added that everyone is “worried sick”.

Victoria is described as white and approximately 5ft 6 in height.

She was last seen wearing blue jeans, a black Adidas original puffa jacket with white stripes down the sleeves and a grey Jack Wills hooded jumper.

North Yorkshire Police previously said members of the public should expect to see an increased police presence in Malton.

“Today, searches of the riverbanks will take place by our specialist underwater search team,” they added yesterday.

Inspector Leanne Anderson said: “There are a range of enquiries taking place to try and locate Victoria.

“This is still a missing person enquiry, and the focus of our activity is within the Malton / Norton area.

“Extensive searches will take place today and I would urge members of the public in the Malton / Norton areas to remain vigilant and report sightings or pass information to police immediately on 101 or 999.”

The Sun has contacted North Yorkshire Police for comment.