Specialist drones have been deployed to aid in the desperate search for missing runner Jenny Hall as the search effort enters its sixth day.
The 23-year-old from Tow Law, County Durham, was last seen leaving her home just after 3pm on Tuesday, February 18. Jenny’s red Ford Focus was found abandoned on Wednesday along the B6278, near remote moorland between Eggleston and Stanhope, prompting a large-scale search operation.
Jenny, a keen long-distance runner, is believed to have been exploring familiar running trails between Eggleston and Hamsterley when she disappeared. Despite extensive efforts, including searches by sixty mountain rescue volunteers, ten sniffer dogs, and HM Coastguard air support, there has been no sign of her.
Durham Constabulary has now deployed specialist drones to expand the search area, using advanced imaging technology to scour the vast, rugged landscape. Chief Inspector Dean Haythornthwaite emphasized the importance of using all available resources, stating, “We have become increasingly concerned for Jenny since she was reported missing and are focusing our search on areas we know she likes to run through. We are determined to do everything we can to find her.”
The search has been hindered by challenging weather and difficult terrain, with over 100 miles of moorland, forest trails, and remote paths already covered. Digital intelligence officers have analyzed Jenny’s phone, smartwatch, and running apps, but these have yet to provide any leads.
Jenny is described as white, six feet tall, with long dark brown hair, which may have been tied back in a ponytail. She was last seen wearing a blue John Deere hoodie, dark jogging bottoms, and may have been carrying a green jacket.
Public Asked Not to Join Search
While community support has been overwhelming, police have urged the public not to join the search efforts directly. “We want to thank the public for their ongoing support, but we ask that people do not join the search themselves as this could disturb the ongoing work and potentially distract expert sniffer dogs,” said a Durham Constabulary spokesperson.
Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for a systematic and controlled search. “While we appreciate the offers of help, uncoordinated efforts could hamper the search,” a team spokesperson added.
Political and Community Support
Local MP Sam Rushworth expressed his concern over the ongoing situation, saying, “This is an incredibly worrying situation that no family should have to face. I’m grateful to the police, mountain rescue teams, and community members who have supported the search. My thoughts are with Jenny and her loved ones. It’s crucial that the search continues at pace until Jenny is found.”
How You Can Help
Authorities are still appealing for any information that might assist the search. Anyone who may have seen Jenny on Tuesday or since, or who has any information about her whereabouts, is urged to contact the police immediately.
If you have any information or spot someone matching Jenny’s description, please call 999 and quote reference number provided by Durham Constabulary.
The search continues with a renewed focus and hope that advanced technology and specialist teams will lead to a breakthrough in finding Jenny Hall and reuniting her with her family.
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