Drain searched in hunt for Joanne

Detectives admit hopes of finding Joanne alive are fading

Police divers are searching a large drainage channel near the home of missing Hull woman Joanne Nelson as hopes fade of finding her alive.

Detectives admitted on Friday that they feared the worst as the hunt for the 22-year-old entered its fourth day.

A positive end to the inquiry was "becoming far less likely" they said.

Underwater search units are scouring Barmston Drain which runs into the city through fields near the home Joanne shared with fiancé Paul Dyson.

The search began on Friday morning at the point where the drain joins the River Hull near the city centre, with divers planning to work upstream for about two miles, Humberside Police said.

Other officers were continuing to search wasteland near Miss Nelson's home in Hotham Road North.

On Thursday, Joanne's mother Jean Nelson made a plea for her daughter's return.

Joanne (centre) pictured with younger sisters Katie (r) and Janie

At a press conference, Mrs Nelson said: "I want to say to Joanne that regardless of what you may think no-one is cross with you and we want you to please come home.

"If anyone knows where she is please tell her we love her so much."

Det Supt Ray Higgins said Miss Nelson and Mr Dyson had enjoyed a picnic at a beauty spot on Sunday before driving home and having an early night.

There has been no reported sighting of Miss Nelson, since she and Mr Dyson exchanged Valentine's Day cards before he set off for work early on Monday morning.

Det Supt Ray Higgins said: "There is nothing in her background that we have been able to find out that would suggest a convincing reason why she should choose to go missing.

"We are very concerned. We are hopeful for a positive outcome but as the hours and days go by that is becoming far less likely."