UPDATED: Police and Coastguard Rescue Teams have been searching the West Wight area this morning (Sunday) after concerns were raised for the welfare of a missing woman.
Coastguard Rescue 104 helicopter was tasked to the area between Compton and Alum Bay at around 02:00. The deployment was on the request of Police to search for a woman who had gone missing in the area with concerns rising for her welfare. The helicopter conducted an aerial search, whilst Coastguard Rescue Teams from The Needles and Ventnor assisted Police in a ground search.
After several hours of searching, the woman was not located and the search has now been suspended.
Officers from Hampshire Constabulary are now assessing the way forward and deciding whether or not the search should resume.
UPDATE @ 09:25 – Police have this morning released details of the missing woman at the center of the search.
Officers are searching for 67-year-old Patricia Anne Tolfree who was last seen by her husband at around 08:30 yesterday morning (Saturday), over 24 hours ago. She was planning to go to the mainland to visit friends in Winchester for the day but did not return home in the evening.
Mrs Tolfree’s vehicle, a blue 57 registration Volkswagen Polo, has been located on the Island.
There is increased concern for her welfare as it is unusual for Mrs Tolfree not to be in contact with her family.
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. Anyone with information should contact the duty sergeant at Newport police station on 101. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
UPDATE @ 13:15 – The Isle of Wight’s specialist volunteer search and rescue team, WightSAR, were deployed shortly before 11:00 this morning to assist in the search.
UPDATE @ 17:50 – Police have extended their appeal for information this evening.
It has been confirmed that Patricia’s vehicle, a blue VW Polo, was found at High Down Chalk Pit car park yesterday evening.
Now, Police are appealing to anyone who saw the 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 @ 21:15 – The search for missing Patricia Tolfree has been suspended due to the fading light and will be resumed tomorrow morning.
UPDATE MONDAY – The search for Patricia Tolfree has continued this morning, however there have been no further developments.
