**Divers Called in as Search Intensifies for Missing Northwich Woman**
The search for 38-year-old Rachel Booth from Northwich has intensified, with specialist divers joining police and rescue teams after her disappearance sparked a major hunt across Cheshire. Ms Booth was last seen by family members in the Barnton area late on Friday, before a sighting was reported early Saturday morning at a petrol station in Sandiway. The escalating investigation has now led to the closure of a popular water park, as authorities express increasing concern for her wellbeing.
Cheshire Police have been working alongside underwater search units and Cheshire Search and Rescue, focusing their efforts around Oakmere in Delamere after it was surmised that Ms Booth may have made her way there. Officers are meticulously combing the area, and the presence of divers has drawn significant local attention, underlining the urgency and seriousness of the operation.
On Sunday, the Wild Shore Delamere watersports centre, located less than two miles from the last confirmed sighting, announced it would be closing its doors temporarily. In a statement, the management explained their decision: “Due to ongoing police investigations in the surrounding area, we will remain shut until further notice.” They emphasised that there is no connection between the centre and the missing person case, but assured the public of their full cooperation with authorities.
Rachel Booth’s disappearance has prompted a wave of concern across the community. Friends, neighbours, and local businesses have joined in sharing appeals while remaining patient with search efforts that have, at times, disrupted everyday life in the usually tranquil Delamere surroundings.
Superintendent Paul Hughes of Cheshire Police addressed the public’s anxiety, stating: “We are following several lines of inquiry to trace Rachel and are becoming increasingly concerned for her welfare. My team and our partner agencies, including the Underwater Search Team and Cheshire Search and Rescue, are conducting searches in Oakmere and the surrounding areas, and I would like to thank local businesses and residents for their support and patience during this challenging time.”
According to police reports, Rachel Booth is described as 5 feet 9 inches tall, of slim build, with blonde hair. She is believed to have been wearing black leggings and a black top at the time she was last seen. Officers have urged anyone who may have seen her since Saturday, or who has any information about her whereabouts, to come forward. “We appeal to the public to check their dashcams and CCTV in case it holds vital clues,” added Superintendent Hughes.
In a direct message, police have also appealed to Ms Booth herself that if she is able, to make contact and let someone know she is safe. The repeated public plea demonstrates the uncertainty and distress that the situation has caused for family and officials alike.
The deliberate closure of the Wild Shore Delamere water sports facility has not gone unnoticed, with management reiterating their desire to aid the emergency operation in any way possible. Their statement read: “Although the incident is not connected to our site, we feel it’s important to co-operate and offer any support as the search continues.”
Anyone with details that might assist the search is encouraged to call police on 101, quoting reference IML-2136439, or to use the contact form on the Cheshire Police website. Each small contribution, authorities say, could be crucial in helping bring Rachel Booth home safely.
As the search enters another critical day, the focus remains on uniting the community and supporting investigative efforts. The hope is that with public vigilance and the ongoing dedication of emergency services, answers will soon be found in this distressing disappearance.