Discovery in Woodland Ends Search for Missing Pensioner
A body has been discovered by Suffolk Police searching for Christine Murton, a 78-year-old woman reported missing from her home in Rushmere St Andrew. The discovery was made in woodland close to Stratton Hall, near Levington, approximately four miles to the south of her home.
While formal identification is yet to take place, the family of Mrs Murton have been informed of this tragic development. The death is currently being treated as unexplained, but officers have stated they do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances.
Timeline of Christine Murton's Disappearance
Christine Murton was last seen leaving her house on the morning of 12 November 2025. She was reported missing that same evening. An important breakthrough came from doorbell camera footage, which captured her on foot a couple of streets away from her home.
Further investigation revealed that her blue Toyota Yaris had been left at a retail park in Pinewood, on the outskirts of Ipswich. Detective Superintendent Tom Pearse commented on this line of enquiry, stating, "The car had been parked at the retail park for a number of weeks. We understand that Christine had been unsure where it had been left and one line of enquiry was that she may have been retracing her steps to locate the vehicle."
Extensive Search and Public Appeal
In the days following her disappearance, police released footage of the pensioner walking along a footpath on the edge of Nacton village. The clip, timestamped at 2.45pm on 12 November, showed her heading towards Decoy Wood.
In the video, she was described as wearing:
- A purple jacket
- Blue trousers
- Glasses
- And carrying a large shoulder bag
The extensive search, which involved these public appeals and door cam evidence, has now concluded with the sad discovery. A file is being prepared for the coroner as the investigation continues.
