Christine has been missing for over a week
THE mystery disappearance of a missing woman has deepened after cops discovered her car in their desperate search for the 78-year-old.
Christine Murton has been missing for over a week, with Suffolk Police urgently searching for any clues that could lead to her whereabouts.
The 78-year-old left her house in Rushmere, Suffolk, on November 12 but hasn’t been seen or heard from ever since.
Door cam footage captured her walking along a road in the village just after 10.40am that day.
Cops managed to trace her movements to another road, a 38 minute walk (or eight minute drive) away.
At 2.45pm, CCTV showed Christine walking along a footpath on the edge of the nearby village Nacton – which is a 50 minute walk (or seven minute drive) from where she was last sighted.
Today, Suffolk Police revealed they have found her car.
The blue Toyota Yaris was discovered parked in a retail park in the Pinewood area, a two-hour walk (or 20 minute drive) from where she went missing.
Cops said it had been parked there for weeks.
Detective Superintendent Tom Pearse said: “The car had been parked at the retail park for a number of weeks.
“We understand that Christine had been unsure where it had been left and one line of enquiry was that she may have been retracing her steps to locate the vehicle.
“Our search activity today has continued in the Nacton area, and officers are reviewing the woodland pathways and walking routes in and around the areas of Decoy Wood and Nacton village.”
Drones, a police helicopter, specialist trained dogs, and the Coastguard have all been called in to assist with the search.
Locals are asked to look through their sheds, gardens and CCTV to check for any sign of Christine.
She is white, of slim build, about 5ft 7ins tall with short, dark hair.
Christine was wearing a purple jacket, blue trousers and carrying a large shoulder bag.
There have been several reported sightings of the woman from members of the public and officers are carrying out an extensive search.
Suffolk constabulary have handed out leaflets with picture of Christine ad her last known movements to local residents.
Christine’s nephew Tom said: “We thank everyone for their support and kind wishes so far.
“Please, can we remind anyone who lives in any of the areas mentioned to check their gardens and outbuildings for anything that can help the police and rescue teams.
“However small it seems, it could really help find her and get her home safely.”
Faye, Tom’s wife, said: “The CCTV findings this week show how important it is to check your cameras to find Christine.
“Although Chris is a very quiet, private person, she loves socialising and meeting up with her friends.
“She always kept dogs and loved to volunteer up at the Blue Cross when she retired.
“Chris made many friends with Ipswich train passengers on her travels and from working at the library.”
Det Supt Tom Pearse added: “I would like to pass on my thanks once again for the support we have had from members of the public, specialist groups and from the media in our search to find Christine.
“We continue to ask residents to check their gardens, their sheds and outbuildings and to look through any CCTV they may have in case it captures Christine’s subsequent movements.
“We ask that dog walkers be attentive when walking in woodland, near watercourses and wetlands and to report any information that may assist police.
“We also urge caution for anyone considering starting their own search activity as the recent rain has made some areas hazardous, and the drop in temperature increases the risk of exposure.”
It comes as temperatures drop to a bone-chilling -12C amid rare ‘thundersnow’ warning.
The Met Office has issued multiple yellow warnings for ice across the country lasting until midday today after what may have been the coldest night of the year.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Suffolk Police quoting CAD 257 of 12 November through their website, by calling 999 or through their Live Chat service.
