Body found in search for disabled mother, 51, amid fears she had toppled into a river in Wiltshire

A body has been found in the search for a 51-year-old disabled mother who disappeared on her mobility scooter amid fears she had topped into a nearby river.

Fiona Edson left her home in Chippenham, Wiltshire, at about 1pm on Sunday afternoon and hasn’t been seen since.

The 51-year-old, who uses a mobility scooter, has been missing for six days today.

Wiltshire Police has now confirmed they have found a body in the Calne area, but formal identification had yet to take place.

The force said on  Twitter: ‘We can confirm that a body has been found in the Calne area in the search for missing Chippenham woman Fiona Edson. 

Fiona Edson left her home in Chippenham, Wiltshire, at about 1pm on Sunday afternoon and hasn’t been seen since 

Police, helicopters, drones and trained dogs have been involved in the search

Police, the fire service and the Wiltshire Search and Rescue (WILSAR) charity have been looking for Fiona in the Monkton Park area since the early hours of Monday

‘Although formal identification has not yet taken place, Fiona’s family have been updated. We do not believe there to be any suspicious circumstances.’

Chippenham Police also posted: ‘We can confirm that a body has been found this afternoon (1/7) in the Calne area in the search for missing Chippenham woman Fiona Edson.

‘Although formal identification has not yet taken place, Fiona’s family have been updated regarding this development and are being supported by specialist officers. They have asked for privacy at this extremely difficult time.

‘Our thoughts remain with Fiona’s family and friends. Formal identification will take place in due course.

‘Although it is early stages, we do not believe there to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.’

Fiona uses a mobility scooter and it is feared she could have fallen into the river with it

Emergency services scoured the area around Monkton Park, Chippenham, in the search for the 51-year-old

Fiona’s death sent shock waves through the community, who took to social media to express their condolences for her family. 

One user said: ‘I’ve been thinking about this lady a lot. I’m so sorry to hear of this outcome. I hope you’re at peace now Fiona, thoughts are with your family and friends.’

Another added: ‘This is so sad, was hoping on some happier news. Sending love and strength to her family.’

Police, the fire service and the Wiltshire Search and Rescue (WILSAR) charity have been looking for Fiona in the Monkton Park area since the early hours of Monday.

Dozens of specially-trained volunteers have been involved in the hunt, as well as a police helicopter – which circled the town twice on Monday – and drones.

Boats were deployed on the River Avon by WILSAR, but subsequent searches of the water couldn’t go ahead due to the boat sustained damage.

The inflatable craft’s propeller was taken out of action when it struck a large metal object beneath the surface – thought to be a dumped trolley.

On Thursday, a cadaver dog – also known as a human-remains detection dog – was also deployed alongside the fast-flowing stretch of the river.

The clever dog can sniff out human scent particles emanating from the water – and then indicate the find to its handler.

Police are urging anyone who was around the Monkton Park area to try to cast their minds back to Sunday

A body has been found in the search for Fiona Edson today, July 1 

In a plea for help, Detective Inspector Mark Kent, of Wiltshire Police, asked people to ‘cast their minds back’ to Sunday afternoon and get in touch with any information that could relate to Fiona’s disappearance.

Speaking about the damaged boat, WILSAR chairman Adrian Sawyer said: ‘Our 4m inflatable is the only powered boat based in Wiltshire.

‘Until it is repaired we will be calling in mutual aid from out of county.

‘In 2023 alone it has been deployed to nine incidents so far, and used to recover three bodies from rivers, in some very challenging conditions.

‘It’s a vital tool, and essential to have available for any incident involving water or flooding’.

She has now been missing for six days as the intensive search continues