POLICE are continuing to search around the River Teme in Powick as the hunt for missing woman Leung ‘Mary’ Yap moves into its third week.

Reports suggested the 72-year-old was last seen on the A449 bridge over the river after going missing from Malvern on November 18.

Daughter Jennifyr Yap said searchers found her mum’s handbag in the river the day after her disappearance and spoke last week of her family’s sadness that Mary has yet to be found.

Detective Chief Inspector at West Mercia Police Jerry Reakes-Williams said: “Mary has not been seen or heard from for about two weeks now and her family are understandably very distressed.

“We're doing everything we can to search the area, but we are still keen for anyone with information to come forward.

“If you've seen Mary or have any information about her whereabouts, please get in touch with us.

“Even the smallest detail could prove to be useful,” he added.

The search and rescue effort has so far enlisted the skills of specialist divers, dog handlers, and aerial surveillance teams.

Police have confirmed that a bag, which may belong to Mary, has been found in the river.

Private search and rescue firm Specialist Group International (SGI) agreed to provide free aid to police and fire crews last Thursday and Friday, after being approached by Mary’s family.

Jennifyr said that six SGI divers, working in shifts of two, began searching the river at 9.30am until the evening over both days.

However, on Friday evening she admitted, “We are disappointed that there will be no further progress in the search for my mother” – after no further clues were found.

She went on to say that her mum cannot swim and, if she did go into the river, then she “must have walked in by the bank – that’s what the police believe”.

“It’s not over, unfortunately for us, and we would like closure. It’s difficult, it’s very stressful,” added Jennifyr, before thanking all those involved in the search for their efforts so far.

Mary’s eldest son died a month ago from terminal cancer, which left her “grief-stricken”, said Jennifyr.