Woodland searched in hunt for missing woman

Police officers trying to trace a woman who disappeared more than two weeks ago are combing through woodland as part of their search efforts.

Claire, 44, was last spotted by a passer-by on the afternoon of 24 June in Silkstone, Barnsley, but has not been seen or heard from since, South Yorkshire Police said.

As part of the search in woods around Silkstone, police have deployed specialist officers and search dogs and circulated missing person posters.

Anyone with CCTV, dash cam or doorbell footage of the local area is urged to share it with police.

Officers believe Claire, whose full name has not been released by police, is believed to have been wearing grey trousers, a light grey or mint green jumper and a long black gilet.

According to police, the woodland search was prompted by Claire's known love for the outdoors and wild camping.

Police think she may also be taking shelter in the woods or disused outbuildings due to recent bad weather.

Ch Insp John Mallows said: "Since Claire was reported missing to us, we have had officers working tirelessly to try and establish the circumstances around her going missing, and to understand where she travelled to after leaving Silkstone Lane.

"We are keeping an open mind about what happened next to Claire and are continuing to carry out extensive enquiries."

Mr Mallows thanked the community for its ongoing support and asked Barnsley residents to "look out for anything that may help us find Claire".

Anyone with information about Claire's whereabouts is asked to contact South Yorkshire Police.

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