Police confirm River Tees search linked to Gloria Clarke disappearance

Rescue teams were back on the river in Yarm this morning after postponing their search overnight.

Police have now said the search is linked to missing pensioner Gloria Ann Clarke from Eaglescliffe, who they believe may have entered the water.

A Cleveland force spokesperson said: “Officers leading the search for missing 80-year-old Gloria Ann Clarke now believe she may have entered the River Tees, and the focus of their investigation is now in the River Tees and surrounding areas.”

Gloria was last seen leaving Meadowfield Drive in Eaglescliffe at around 5.45am on Sunday (December 31) morning.

Rescue teams continue to search the river. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Cleveland Polce launched an urgent appeal to find Gloria on New Years Eve. The pensioner was last seen wearing a blue Regatta coat with a poppy badge and black Skechers trainers.

Emergency crews first descended on the river in Yarm on Sunday (December 31) afternoon.

A cordon was initially erected along True Lovers Walk at the water’s edge while the police helicopter was spotted over the town.

Water rescue specialists and police with torches worked through darkness and into the evening before calling off the search for the night around 7pm.

Gloria Ann Clarke (Image: CLEVELAND POLICE)

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Crews returned to the river on New Years Day morning with search efforts continuing.

This afternoon (Monday, January 1) teams have been pictured searching again along True Lovers Walk at the water’s edge.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Cleveland Police.

The police spokesperson added: “Enquiries are currently ongoing, and officers are asking anyone with information to contact Cleveland Police on 101, quoting reference number 254776.”