A mum’s “out of character” disappearance has sparked an underwater police search after her belongings were found scattered in a Norfolk river and park.

Gaynor Lord, 55, was last seen leaving work at the Jarrold department store in Norwich City Centre at 2.45pm on Friday, December 8, more than an hour before she was due to finish her shift, which would have ended at 4pm.

CCTV footage obtained by Norfolk Constabulary captured her as she walked towards Norwich city cathedral before she disappeared.

A member of the public later discovered her scattered belongings – including her mobile phone, handbag and rings – in nearby Wensum Park.

Her coat was later found in the River Winsum, leading investigators to consider the “real possibility” that she entered the water at the tributary.

Police have described Ms Lord as a 5ft 6in tall white woman who was wearing a coat and scarf over a white shirt and yellow tank top when she disappeared.

Officers discovered Ms Lord’s ID in her handbag and closed Wensum Park early on Saturday, December 9, to investigate the area.

Extensive searching has begun both in the park and on the river, with diving crews soon to aid the investigations alongside the coastguard and local fire services.

The river is the focal point of the ongoing searches, and officers have requested support from other police forces.

Lead investigators have said the mum’s disappearance is “out of character” and that she “didn’t take her normal route home” when she left work on December 8.

Superintendent Wes Hornigold, the Norwich Policing Commander, said police have not been able to establish why she left early and that officers are “naturally concerned for her welfare”.

He said: “There’s no evidence that Gaynor has come to harm and while we have a number of enquiries ongoing, given where her clothing was found and other items, there is a real possibility she has entered the water.”

“This is clearly a distressing time for her family. We have specialist officers supporting them and continue to keep them updated of our ongoing work.”

Spt Hornigold said the National Crime Agency has helped Norfolk police call in dive search teams, with divers from across the country lending their aid in the investigation.

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