Search for missing mum Victoria Taylor may be called off due to hazardous river conditions

A huge search for missing mum Victoria Taylor could be called off today as conditions along the River Derwent are "dangerous"

A massive search effort for the missing mum Victoria Taylor, led by kind-hearted strangers, is on the brink of being cancelled today due to perilous conditions along the River Derwent.

The large contingent of volunteers already assembled or en route to Malton, North Yorkshire, might be met with the disheartening news that the search must be called off, as overnight rainfall has rendered the riverbank treacherously unsafe.

Earlier in the week, concerns for safety were heightened when well-meaning individuals embarked on a self-organised search along the River Derwent for the mum, who was last spotted at 9am on Monday in Malton. The police had advised the group to maintain a distance of at least two metres from the water's edge.

Now, locals are expressing fears that the operation could be derailed. A resident expressed apprehension on a public Facebook group set up to coordinate efforts to find Vicky, commenting: "This area was really bad yesterday so not sure it's safe to do today... I'd be worried for people walking this today after the rain."

Another individual echoed similar sentiments on the same group, warning: "The river is very dangerous when it's receding. There's a slippery bank side.", reports the Mirror.

Further adding to the cautionary voices, another local remarked: "Looks like we have had some rain overnight, which is going to have made the riverside banks even more slippery... The paths are waterlogged in places."

Specialist divers from North Yorkshire Police have been meticulously searching the river this week for the 34-year-old woman, who is a dedicated charity worker and had recently undertaken a skydive for Dementia UK. Her close friend, Charlotte Cundill, has vowed to continue the search, stating on a Facebook group with about 7,000 members: "Let's get you home beautiful. I won't give up."

The missing mum, originally from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, was last seen wearing blue jeans, a black Adidas puffer jacket with white stripes down the sleeves, and a grey Jack Wills hoodie.

Inspector Martin Dennison of North Yorkshire Constabulary expressed his concern on Thursday, saying: "We are very concerned about Victoria's whereabouts and, like her family and friends, just want to see her safe and well."

He also cautioned the public, advising: "I would urge the public to be cautious if looking for Victoria near the river. Our officers have specialist training and equipment, and they are used to working in various terrains."

He urged anyone with information to come forward: "If you do have any information which can help with the search then please call us 101. Any immediate sightings should be reported to 999."

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