Hunt for Victoria Taylor, 34, enters 2nd week as search teams for missing mum warned ‘stay safe’ near ‘dangerous’ river
THE hunt for Victoria Taylor has entered its second week – with those searching for the mum warned to “stay safe” near a “dangerous” river.
Mum-of-one Victoria, known to friends as Vixx, was last seen at her home in Malton, North Yorkshire, on Monday last week.
Some of her belongings were later found near to the River Derwent, which remains the focus of rescue efforts.
But search crews face a race against the clock to find Victoria with rain forecast over the next week.
The fast-flowing river had already swelled to a depth of 2.77m before receding in recent days.
But poor weather due over the coming days will see water levels rise again – hindering search efforts.
Posting on Facebook, Victoria’s neighbour and close friend Charlotte Cundill urged search teams to stay safe.
Charlotte wrote: “Day 8, we have rolled into another week, not what any of us wanted but we won’t be giving up on you beautiful.
“I’m looking for suggestions on other places to search if people think that’s what’s needed – I do – and also meeting points.
“This has spread far and wide and we are also at nearly 8,000 people on the page.
“I’d like to keep this going and get the word out to as many people as possible, as far away as possible.
“We all need to stay hopeful and positive. The weather isn’t looking to great for the week.”
She added: “So please, stay safe yourselves and get wrapped up if out searching.
“Many thanks to everyone for their kind words and generosity -please let’s keep this going.”
Another local said: “The river is very dangerous when it’s receding -there’s a slippery bank side.”
A police diver said: “The weather is alright at the moment but it’s going to get worse over the next week.”
Asked if that would make search and rescue efforts more difficult, another searcher replied: “Yes.”
According to residents, Victoria was seen walking towards Norton Hive library on Monday morning.
She was filmed on CCTV wearing a black puffer jacket, jeans and a camouflage cap buying a soft drink in the Marks & Spencer store at a BP garage in Norton at about 11.35am.
On Wednesday, some of her personal possessions were found near the River Derwent in Malton.
Yesterday, marine search and rescue crews were again seen scouring the water using specialist sonar equipment.
Locals were urged not to defy police advice to steer clear of scouring the muddy riverbank and putting themselves at risk.
Some volunteers were seen searching riverside fields with dogs and using wooden sticks to comb through vegetation near the neighbouring village of Low Hutton.
Large banners were put up in the town centre alerting visitors to this weekend’s Malton Food Festival to be vigilant.
‘PLEASE COME HOME’
On Friday, Victoria’s fiance Matthew Williams implored his partner to return home to their daughter Nancy, two.
He told her in a tearful direct message: “Please come home, babe.
“Come home to Nancy and be the mum that you know you are and can still be.”
Victoria is described by North Yorkshire Police as white, around 5ft 2in tall.
She was last seen wearing blue jeans, a black Adidas original puffer jacket with white stripes down the sleeves,
Victoria also wore a grey Jack Wills hooded jumper and was carrying a salmon-pink Vans backpack.
Inspector Martin Dennison said: “If you do have any information which can help with the search then please call us on 101.”
Dennison added: “Any immediate sightings should be reported to 999.”
Timeline of Victoria's disappearance
Monday (September 30)
9am
Victoria Taylor is last seen at her home in Malton, North Yorkshire.
She is understood to have been going towards the library in Commercial Street.
11.35am
She goes into a BP garage on Welham Road.
Sister Heidi Baker claims she is also seen heading towards the River Derwent at some point.
Tuesday (October 1)
The search efforts for Victoria ramp up, with a police presence in the area she was last seen and a Facebook search group is set up.
Wednesday (October 2)
The search expands to focus on the river after Victoria’s belongings were found on the riverbank.
Drones are spotted at nearby Malton & Norton Golf Club.
Members of the Facebook group arrange to meet at the train station.
Thursday (October 3)
Police release a CCTV image of Victoria at a BP garage at 11.35am on Monday and confirm her belongings were found on the river bank.
Volunteer searchers from the Facebook group arrange to meet outside a pub at 1pm.
The admin of the Facebook page advises searchers not to go near the river, after being warned off by cops.
Friday (October 4)
Victoria’s partner Matthew Williams issues a plea for the “dedicated” mum to come home.
Her sisters then released a statement saying they feel “sick and lost”.
Monday (October 7)
The search enters its second week.