CCTV footage shows a woman matching the description of missing pensioner Gloria Ann Clarke entering the River Tees, police have said.

Teams have been searching for 80-year-old Gloria since she disappeared on the morning of New Year’s Eve.

A search operation has been taking place on the River Tees in Yarm for the last three days with police and river rescue teams scouring the area and riverbank.

The Northern Echo: A rescue operation has been ongoing for the last three days on the River Tees in Yarm.A rescue operation has been ongoing for the last three days on the River Tees in Yarm. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Officers leading the search for Gloria have confirmed they have CCTV footage showing a woman matching her description entering the river.

Gloria’s family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers, the Cleveland force said.

The Northern Echo: Gloria Ann Clarke was last seen on New Year's Eve at 5.45am.Gloria Ann Clarke was last seen on New Year's Eve at 5.45am. (Image: CLEVELAND POLICE)

A police spokesperson said: “Police officers leading the search for 80-year-old Gloria Clarke can confirm they have CCTV footage that shows a woman matching her description entering the River Tees. 

“Cleveland Police, along with colleagues from Cleveland Fire Brigade, Tees River Rescue and Tees River Trust, continue to focus their search on the River Tees and the surrounding riverbank areas.

“Gloria’s family are aware of this development in the investigation and are being supported by specialist officers at this difficult time.

The Northern Echo: Volunteers from Tees River Rescue search the River Tees in Yarm.Volunteers from Tees River Rescue search the River Tees in Yarm. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

“The river is particularly deep at the moment and extremely fast flowing due to recent weather.  We would ask informal search parties to stand down due to these hazardous conditions around the riverbank.”

The 80-year-old was last seen leaving Meadowfield Drive in Eaglescliffe at about 5.45am on Sunday (December 31) morning.

Emergency crews first descended on the River Tees in Yarm that afternoon.

The Northern Echo: Searches took place late into the evening on New Year's Eve.Searches took place late into the evening on New Year's Eve. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

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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 overnight.

Crews returned to the area on New Year's Day and have again been working on the river on Tuesday.