Discovery in Suffolk Woodland
A woman's body has been discovered by police officers searching for Christine Murton, a 78-year-old from Rushmere St Andrew, Suffolk, who had been missing for nearly two weeks. The discovery was made in woodland close to Stratton Hall, near Levington, approximately four miles to the south of her home.
Timeline of a Disappearance
Christine Murton is believed to have left her house on the morning of 12 November. She was reported missing that same evening. An important breakthrough came when a doorbell camera captured her on foot a couple of streets away from her home. Last week, detectives released further footage showing the pensioner walking along a footpath on the edge of Nacton village at 2.45pm on the day she vanished.
In the clip, she was seen heading towards Decoy Wood. She was wearing a purple jacket, blue trousers, and glasses, and was carrying a large shoulder bag.
Another key element of the investigation was her vehicle. Her blue Toyota Yaris was initially unaccounted for but was later located at a retail park in Pinewood, on the outskirts of Ipswich. Detective Superintendent Tom Pearse stated: "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."
Ongoing Investigation and Family Support
Although formal identification is yet to take place, Christine Murton's family have been informed of the discovery and are receiving support from specially trained officers. Police have stated that the death is currently being treated as unexplained, but they do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances. A file is now being prepared for the coroner.
