Desperate search for mum Victoria Taylor may be called off after warning

The search for missing mum Victoria Taylor - who was last seen at 9am on Monday - could be called off

The extensive search for missing mother Victoria Taylor, organised by strangers, may be called off today due to "dangerous" conditions along the River Derwent. The large group, already assembled or en route to Malton in North Yorkshire, could face the disappointing news that the search will be cancelled as overnight rain has made the riverbank particularly hazardous.

Earlier this week, safety concerns were raised when individuals began their own search along the River Derwent for the missing mum, last seen at 9am on Monday in Malton. Police reportedly advised the group to maintain a distance of at least two metres from the water's edge.

Now, locals suggest the well-intentioned operation is at risk. One local resident, writing on a public Facebook group set up to support the search for Vicky, expressed concern about the safety of continuing the search today after yesterday's heavy rain.

She referred specifically to the stretch of river between Malton and the village of Low Hutton, approximately four miles south. Another post on the same group warned: "The river is very dangerous when it's receding. There's a slippery bank side."

A further resident noted: "Looks like we have had some rain overnight, which is going to have made the riverside banks even more slippery... The paths are waterlogged in places," reports the Mirror.

North Yorkshire Police's specialist divers have been searching the river this week for the 34-year-old who is involved in charity work and recently did a skydive for Dementia UK. Her close friend, Charlotte Cundill, has vowed not to give up on finding Vicky, who has a daughter with her fiancé Matthew Grant Williams.

In a Facebook group of around 7,000 members, Charlotte posted: "Let's get you home beautiful. I won't give up."

The mum, originally from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, was last seen wearing blue jeans, a black Adidas original puffer jacket with white stripes down the sleeves and a grey Jack Wills hooded jumper. Inspector Martin Dennison, of North Yorkshire Constabulary, expressed his concern on Thursday: "We are very concerned about Victoria's whereabouts and, like her family and friends, just want to see her safe and well."

He urged the public to be cautious if looking for Victoria near the river, stating: "Our officers have specialist training and equipment, and they are used to working in various terrains. If you do have any information which can help with the search then please call us 101. Any immediate sightings should be reported to 999."