Fiona Edson: Urgent search for mum who disappeared near river among fears she fell in water
A significant search is underway for a mum who disappeared near a river – who is feared may have fallen into the water.
Fiona Edson left her dwelling in Chippenham, at about 1pm on Sunday afternoon (June 25) and hasn’t been seen since.
The 51-year-old, who makes use of a mobility scooter, could have been lacking for 5 days by early this afternoon (Friday, June 30).
Police, the fireplace service and the Wiltshire Search and Rescue (WILSAR) charity have been wanting for Fiona because the early hours of Monday (June 26).
Dozens of specially-trained volunteers have been concerned in the hunt, as was the police helicopter – which circled the city twice on Monday – and drones.
(Wiltshire Police / SWNS)
Boats had been deployed on the River Avon by WILSAR, however subsequent searches of the water couldn’t go forward because of the boat sustained injury.
The inflatable craft’s propeller was taken out of motion when it struck a big metallic object beneath the floor – considered a dumped trolley.
Yesterday (Thursday, June 29), a cadaver canine – also referred to as a human-remains detection canine – was additionally deployed alongside the fast-flowing stretch of the river.
The intelligent canine can sniff out human scent particles emanating from the water – after which point out the discover to its handler.
In a plea for assist, Detective Inspector Mark Kent, of Wiltshire Police, requested folks to “forged their minds again” to Sunday afternoon and get in contact with any data that might relate to Fiona’s disappearance.
He mentioned: “We’re extraordinarily involved about Fiona’s welfare and we’re persevering with to supply help to her household as our searches proceed.
“We perceive Fiona left her dwelling on her mobility scooter, though she does have restricted mobility and might stroll quick distances.
“Officers have been working around the clock alongside volunteers from WiLSAR to try to find Fiona.
“We wish to thank the members of the general public who have already contacted us with data following our public appeals and we’d urge anybody who was in the Monkton Park space on Sunday afternoon to forged their thoughts again.
“Did you see a girl matching Fiona’s description on a mobility scooter? What route was she heading in? Did something seem out of the strange?
“Any data you may have, irrespective of how small or insignificant it could appear, could possibly be very important.”
(Daniel Jae Webb / SWNS)
Anybody with data ought to name Wiltshire Police on 101 and quote log quantity 342 of June 25 or 999 in an emergency.
Talking in regards to the broken boat, WILSAR chairman Adrian Sawyer mentioned: “Our 4m inflatable is the one powered boat based mostly in Wiltshire.
“Till it’s repaired we will likely be calling in mutual help from out of county.
“In 2023 alone it has been deployed to 9 incidents to date, and used to get better three our bodies from rivers, in some very difficult situations.
“It’s an important software, and important to have accessible for any incident involving water or flooding”.
