A BODY HAS BEEN FOUND IN THE SEARCH FOR PATRICIA TOLFREE
MISSING PERSON: Police and volunteer search and rescue operatives are continuing their search for a missing 67-year-old woman who hasn’t been seen in over two days.
As previously reported, Patricia Tolfree was last seen by her husband at around 08:30 on Saturday morning. She was planning to go to the mainland to visit friends in Winchester for the day but did not return home in the evening, however Mrs Tolfree’s vehicle – a blue 57 registration Volkswagen Polo – was located at High Down Chalk Pit car park on the Island.
The search continues this evening (Sunday) as Hampshire Constabulary attempt to locate Patricia with the assistance of WightSAR (Isle of Wight Search and Rescue). Concerns continue to increase for Mrs Tolfree’s welfare as it is unusual for her not to be in contact with her family.
At 21:00 last night (Saturday) the search was suspended due to the fading light. It comes after HM Coastguard Rescue Teams and Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 104 spent several hours during the early hours of yesterday morning searching the West Wight area, but to no avail.
The search was resumed early this morning, focusing on the Totland area however there have been no further developments.
Patricia Tolfree is described as White, 5ft tall with short brown/grey hair and of a tanned complexion. She wears glasses and was last seen wearing black trousers, an orange blouse, black jumper and boots.
Police would like to hear from anyone who believes they may have seen Patricia Tolfree and to anyone who saw her vehicle arriving at the car park to help determine what time Patricia arrived in the area.
Anyone with information should contact the duty sergeant at Newport police station on 101. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
UPDATE @ 20:20 – The search has once again been called off due to the fading light, however the appeal continues to find Patricia.
UPDATE TUESDAY – Members of the Island’s Hampshire Constabulary Special Constable Policing team have been drafted in to assist with the search for Patricia, who has now been missing for over three days.
Police are said to be following several lines of enquiry having found Mrs Tolfree’s vehicle at High Down Chalk Pit car park.
UPDATE TUESDAY @ 18:20 – Hopes of finding Mrs Tolfree alive and well have been increased following the revelation that the 67-year-old may have used her mobile phone today.
Police believe that Patricia may still be in the West Wight area, possibly hiding in an outbuilding or similar.
The search continues tonight and involves both full time and special constables from Hampshire Constabulary plus the volunteer specialist team of WightSAR and family members.
Anyone who thinks they have spotted Mrs Tolfree or may know where she is should contact the duty sergeant at Newport police station on 101. In an emergency dial 999. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
