The sisters of a woman who has been missing for five days have said they feel “sick, distraught and lost” following her disappearance.
Victoria Taylor, a 34-year-old mum-of-one, was last seen at her home address in Malton, North Yorkshire, at 9am on Monday. At 11.35am the same day, she was seen on CCTV at a BP garage.
Several of her possessions were later found close to the nearby River Derwent.
Her sisters have now issued a statement thanking people for their support – while warning volunteers not to put themselves at risk during riverside searches for their sibling.
Emma and Heidi said: “We currently feel sick, distraught and lost following the disappearance of Vixx, but we are trying to focus on the children in the family to maintain a sense of routine at this difficult time.
“We would like to thank all the emergency services and volunteers who have assisted in the search for Vixx so far.
“The wider local community has also rallied around, and we are eternally grateful for the support that they have given to us, Vixx’s family.”
Police have said searches will continue over the weekend.
“The water is challenging at the moment due to the recent weather so if people are out searching for Vixx, then please do not put yourself at risk,” the siblings added.
Police have also issued a new image of Ms Taylor with her brother, Joe.
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The siblings’ statement came as a friend of Ms Taylor told Sky News she’s in shock and just wants her to return home.
Charlotte Cundill described her close friend and next-door neighbour as a caring woman, and a brilliant nurse, mum and girlfriend.
Asked what she would say to Ms Taylor, Ms Cundill said: “Come home, your family need you, you’ve got plenty of people to support you if you need the help.
“We’re all here, just come home.”
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She has set up a Facebook page to appeal for information and is asking for community support.
Residents in the market town have been putting up posters on lampposts and in shop windows. They’ve also formed a group to search the riverbanks.
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Ms Cundill said her friend is well known in the town as she’s looked after a lot of people while working at a local care home.
Ms Taylor is a mum to a “beautiful little girl” and they recently returned from a family holiday, she added.
