Police are becoming "increasingly concerned" for the welfare of a missing woman in Cheshire as underwater search teams join the hunt to find her. Divers have been deployed as part of extensive search efforts across the county.
Rachel Booth, 38, from Northwich, was reported missing in the early hours of Saturday morning. She was last seen by family in the Barnton area of Northwich before a later sighting at around 3.50am at the Sandiway garage on the A556 road, approximately five miles away.
Search focuses on Delamere area
Police believe Booth may have travelled to the Oakmere area of Delamere, where Cheshire Police officers are conducting inquiries alongside underwater search teams and Cheshire Search and Rescue. The coordinated search operation involves multiple agencies working across the rural area.
A water park in Delamere, less than two miles from the petrol station where Booth was last spotted, announced its closure on Sunday due to the police investigation. The Wild Shore Delamere Park watersports centre said the incident was unrelated to their business but they wished to assist the search efforts.
Description released by police
Booth is described as 5ft 9ins tall with a slim build and blonde hair. She is believed to be wearing black leggings and a black top when she disappeared.
Superintendent Paul Hughes said: "We are currently following a number of inquiries to trace Rachel and we are becoming increasingly concerned for her welfare. As part of our investigation, our officers and partner agencies, including the Underwater Search Team and Cheshire Search and Rescue, are conducting inquiries in the Oakmere and surrounding areas where it is believed Rachel travelled to."
Appeal for information
Hughes thanked local businesses for their patience during the ongoing search operations. He emphasised that investigators are following all lines of inquiry and urged anyone who has seen Booth since she was reported missing to contact police immediately.
"We would also like to appeal directly to Rachel to get in touch to let us know you are OK," Hughes added. The Wild Shore centre confirmed it would remain closed "until further notice" to support the police investigation.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Cheshire Police by calling 101 or through the force's website, quoting reference IML-2136439.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
