Police divers continue to search the River Windrush for the body of a 76-year-old woman who went missing in Witney nearly 10 days ago. 

Iona, whose full name has not been given, was last seen in Witney town centre at 11am on Monday (February 12). 

A week after her disappearance Chief Inspector James Sullivan said police were "extremely concerned" for her welfare but were "keeping an open mind and following all lines of enquiry".

The search of the River Windrush began on Monday, February 12.

The operation which covered nearly 2km involved marine units, specialist search and rescue, the criminal investigation department, the missing investigation support team and the national police air service.

A police drone was also seen hovering above the river.

A specialist dive team from Avon and Somerset were brought in by police on Thursday.

Divers continued to scour the water for the missing woman throughout Friday (February 16) before police said they had concluded their searches but would resume at the weekend.

On Sunday the operation entered its seventh day with the help of teams from Bucks Search & Rescue, Berkshire Lowland Search & Rescue (BLSAR), Wiltshire Search and Rescue, Northamptonshire Search and Rescue, Warwickshire Search and Rescue and Severn Area Rescue Association (Sharpness).

Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire said: "Due to the recent rain, the water was flowing very fast, and was very deep in places making this a very arduous search. 

"All teams showed very noticeable professionalism, maintaining a high level of safety throughout. 

"Thanks also go to Sainsbury's, for allowing us to use a considerable portion of their car park over the last few days as an RV [rendezvous] point."

Witney East councillor Joy Aitman thanked the teams for their hard work.

"The whole town appreciates your effort," she said.

Meanwhile local residents on social media said they were praying that ‘this lady is found safe and well’.

One said: "It’s just awful... let’s hope it’s a happy outcome."

Another added: "We have lived in Cogges for 42 years and thankfully never had any incidents in the River Windrush."

Iona is approximately 5ft 6ins tall, of slim build, and was last seen wearing a brown three-quarter length coat with fur around the hood, leggings and black Nike trainers.

In a renewed appeal on Monday Chief Insp Sullivan said: “We’re extremely concerned for the welfare of Iona, who was reported missing around a week ago.

“As part of our enquiries searches continue to be conducted at the River Windrush in Witney, however, we are keeping an open mind and following all lines of enquiry.

"I am appealing to anybody who believes that they might have seen her, or who has any information that may help us to locate her to please get in touch with Thames Valley Police.”

Anyone who has any information that may assist the investigation is asked to call the emergency number 999, quoting reference number 43240068765.

Any sightings or information on Iona's whereabouts should be reported on the Thames Valley Police website.