UPDATED: A search and rescue operation is underway this evening in the Appley area of Ryde.
Coastguard Rescue Teams from Bembridge are working alongside Ryde Inshore Lifeboat and Police, conducting a search for a missing person on Ryde Sands and in the surrounding areas.
Island Echo understand a homeless woman has gone missing, sparking concern for her welfare. Emergency services are alerted shortly after 22:00.
Hampshire Constabulary’s Dog Support Unit has been searching park woodland while a land team has been deployed onto the sands to conduct a precise and controlled step-by-step area search.
The Sussex Police National Air Support Unit is on the scene and is conducting a thermal sweep of the coast from the air.
Reports suggest a pair of trousers were located in a nearby seating shelter sparking the alarm. It is believed the missing person is a vulnerable woman aged between 40-60.
UPDATE @ 23:40 – Sussex NAS has left the scene and Police have widened their search area, patrolling the Ryde Harbour area.
UPDATE @ 00:10 FRIDAY – It is understood the search continues this morning with Lifeboat, Coastguard and Police still on the scene.
UPDATE @ 08:50 FRIDAY – Island Echo understand that the search was inconclusive last night and the missing woman, aged in her 40s, has not been found.
UPDATE @ 11:00 – Police have this morning successfully located the missing woman in the Ryde area.
