Police launch underwater search for missing woman

Police looking for a missing woman have launched an underwater search near a popular beauty spot.

Rachel Booth, aged 38, disappeared in the early hours of Saturday, after she was last seen by her family in the village of Barnton in Cheshire, police said.

CCTV footage then shows her at Sandiway Garage on the A556 in Northwich at about 03:50 BST.

Cheshire Police said it believed she might have travelled to the village of Oakmere, near Delamere Forest.

Supt Paul Hughes said the force was "becoming increasingly concerned for her welfare" and a underwater search team were carrying out investigations in the area.

Wild Shore Delamere, which offers outdoor activities at its lake nearby, said it had closed "to help as much as possible".

In a social media post, it said it would remain shut until Tuesday at least and were "unable to confirm exact times for re-opening".

"The incident is unrelated to Wild Shore - however we wish to help as much as possible - so we will be closing the site until further notice," it added.

Ms Booth is described as being 5ft 9in (1.75m), slim and with blonde hair. She is believed to have been wearing black leggings and a black top.

Supt Hughes said: "Investigators are following all lines of inquiry and anyone who has seen Rachel since she was reported missing is asked to contact us.

"We would also like to appeal directly to Rachel to get in touch to let us know you are OK."