Police release CCTV footage of Gaynor Lord's last movements as search enters 5th day

The mother-of-three proceeded to walk along London Street, Queen Street and towards the cathedral.

CCTV footage showed Lord on St George’s Street at 3.49pm near the Playhouse in Norwich and finally up St Augustines Street at 4.01pm.

WATCH NOW: Norfolk Police's CCTV footage of 55-year-old Gaynor Lord

Lord, who is five foot and six inches tall, was not due to finish her shift until a few hours later at 4pm.

Her belongings were found in Wensum Park by a member of the public who reported it to the police after 8pm.

Police identified Lord from an ID in her handbag and after visiting her home address found she had not returned since leaving work.

Wensum Park has been closed off to the public since Saturday with specialist teams conducting extensive searches of both land and water.

Searches have been carried out in the River Wensum with assistance from the constabulary’s Marine Unit, Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service and the Coastguard.

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According to Norfolk Constabulary, Gaynor’s clothing was found in the park in various locations. Her coat was found in the water.

Police have a number of leads to follow in a bid to find Lord.

Norwich Policing Commander Superintendent Wes Hornigold said: “Today we are releasing the footage of Gaynor’s last known steps on Friday afternoon before she went missing. We hope this will help to jog the memory of anyone who may have seen her in the city that afternoon or who may have footage of her journey.

“We are particularly keen on hearing from anyone who may have seen Gaynor in the cathedral grounds which she enters at 2.50pm and leaves at 3.23pm. It’s not clear where she goes inside the cathedral grounds during this time so we’re keen to hear from anyone who may have seen her there.

“We are continuing our extensive searches but would appeal to the public to come forward with any information which may help to find Gaynor. In the footage you can clearly see what she was wearing when she went missing.

“This is a particularly stressful time for her family and specialist officers continue to provide support.”

Anyone with information or who knows of her whereabouts should contact Norfolk Police on 101 quoting incident number 427 of 8 December 2023.

COAT IN THE WATER

One clue as to where police are focusing their search comes from where Lord’s coat was found.

Police believe Gaynor could have entered the water on account of the location in which her clothing and possessions were found.

Hornigold said: “While we have a number of inquiries ongoing, given where her clothing was found and other items, there is a real possibility she has entered the water.

“We’ve been liaising with the National Crime Agency (NCA) who have given advice around specialist underwater dive teams and we’re seeking assistance from forces with this capability.

A number of units are already searching the water for the missing mother.

CLOTHES

Following the discovery of Lord’s clothes, rings and mobile phone on Friday, police believe she may have gone missing while at least partially unclothed.

Her white work shirt, yellow tank top, and jewellery were found spread out at different sites across the city centre park.

Norfolk Police announced earlier that it does not believe Lord was attacked prior to her disappearance.

Hornigold added: “There’s no evidence that Gaynor has come to harm.”

WHY DID SHE LEAVE WORK EARLY?

Another mystery surrounds why Lord left work early and further why she did not take her usual route after leaving Jarrold’s.

Police have advised that they are worried for her welfare as the decision seemed “out of character”.

Hornigold said: “Gaynor left work early and didn’t take her normal route home.

“We haven’t been able to establish why she left early and her disappearance is out of character so we are naturally concerned for her welfare.”