Major search for missing woman

Attracta Harron was last seen on Thursday morning

Police searching for a County Tyrone woman missing since last week say they have not given up hope of finding her alive.

Attracta Harron, 65, was last seen at 0930 GMT on Thursday when she went to Mass at Murlough Chapel in Lifford, in County Donegal.

The police said she would have set out to walk home along the Lifford Road toward her home in Strabane.

At the time she was wearing a red duffle-style coat and grey trousers. She is described as being 5ft 2ins, with shoulder length blonde hair.

On Monday morning, underwater teams resumed a search of waterways in the Strabane and Lifford areas and nearby countryside is also being searched.

Detective Inspector John Gilmore said there was nothing to indicate a crime had been committed.

The retired librarian's family said the disappearance was completely uncharacteristic and they are extremely worried.

This is completely out of character - she has been very fit and well and she is well known in Strabane Micheal Harron

They said their mother was fit and healthy. Mrs Harron's five children have come home to Strabane to search along with her husband Micheal.

Donegal Rescue has been called in and family and friends are organising a search. They have asked people to search outhouses and barns.

Members of the Foyle and Strabane search and rescue teams are being assisted by the PSNI underwater search team and the Garda underwater search team.

The Garda air support unit has also been flying over the area.

PSNI Inspector Derek Scott said: "Clearly when we have an area with so much water and so many rivers in it we have to explore that and exclude that from our inquiries."

Mrs Harron's son Micheal said: "She has gone missing along the border. The family has been looking for her.

"This is completely out of character. She has been very fit and well. She is well known in Strabane. She has an active life and walked between four and six miles a day."

Concerns

Meanwhile, the family of an east Belfast man who has been missing for more than a week say they are extremely concerned about his safety.

Hugh Thomson, 57, is described as vulnerable because of hearing and speaking difficulties.

Mr Thomson left his home at Lord Street on 5 December.

His brother Tommy said the family was very worried.

"He told me he was going to his friend's house for a couple of days, but he didn't turn up," he said.

"I gave him a couple of days, then went to the police - I was very concerned that he didn't come back."