POLICE divers have joined an urgent search for a missing pensioner who vanished in the early hours of New Year's Eve.
Specialist search teams scoured the River Tees for the second day in the search for Gloria Ann Clarke, 80.
1
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, Teesside, at around 5.45am on December 31.
Cleveland Police confirmed the pensioner was last spotted wearing a blue Regatta coat with a poppy badge and black Skechers trainers.
Today officers confirmed a major search in nearby Yarm is linked to her disappearance.
Police were seen investigating at the river on the afternoon of New Year's Eve.
Read More TEEN SAVED Man arrested for child abduction as missing girl Leah, 14, rescued from a house
GUN ATTACK Man, 20s, dies after Christmas Eve shooting horror in restaurant
A police cordon was set up along True Lovers Walk while a helicopter conducted an aerial view search over the area.
Water rescue crews returned to the river this morning on New Year's Day after postponing search efforts at around 7pm last night.
Police 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.”
Most read in The Sun
ACTRESS DIES Emmerdale & Hollyoaks actress dies aged 80 after career spanning five decades
RED CARD Kyle Walker is dumped by wife & moves out of mansion as she releases statement
BEAUTY BLOW The Body Shop closes popular service after 30 years with thousands affected
TOWN AND OUT UK's most 'soul-destroying' towns named on shortlist - is your region on it?
Anyone with information is urged to contact Cleveland Police on 101, quoting reference number 254776.