A WITNESS has claimed to have spotted a missing pensioner at a bus stop 15 minutes after she vanished on New Year's Eve.

       Rescue teams were on the River Tees yesterday searching for Gloria Ann Clarke, 80, who they believe may have entered the water.

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       Gloria Ann Clarke was last seen at 5.45am on New Year's Eve Credit: Cleveland Police

       She was last seen leaving Meadowfield Drive in Eaglescliffe, Stockton-on-Tees, at around 5.45am on December 31.

       A bystander then allegedly spoke to Gloria at a bus stop on nearby Yarm Road at 6am.

       In a Facebook post replying to Cleveland Police's appeal, they wrote: "This lady was in a bus stop on Yarm road yesterday morning at 6am.

       "I was walking my dog and said good morning to her - she replied to me."

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       Cops said Gloria was wearing a blue Regatta coat with a poppy badge and black Skechers trainers.

       Yesterday officers confirmed a major search in the River Tees is linked to her disappearance.

       Police were seen investigating at the river on the afternoon of New Year's Eve.

       A police cordon was set up along True Lovers Walk while a helicopter conducted an aerial view search over the area.

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       Water rescue crews returned to the river on New Year's Day after postponing search efforts at around 7pm.

       Cops said they believe Gloria 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."

       Anyone with information is urged to contact Cleveland Police on 101, quoting reference number 254776.

       The Sun has approached Cleveland Police for an update.

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       Rescue teams were on the River Tees yesterday searching for Gloria Credit: Facebook 3

       Police said they believe Gloria may have entered the water Credit: Alamy