Gillian Merrick, 45, Msng 1/1/09, Oundle, Northamptonshire, UK [FOUND DECEASED]

[Claycat]

Around 50 volunteers have joined the search for 45-year-old Gillian Merrick who was last seen at her home in Oundle, Northamptonshire, at around 11pm on Thursday night.

Police officers specially trained in search techniques are leading the hunt across nearby fields, outbuildings and sheds while other police officers carry out inquiries to try to establish where Mrs Merrick may be.

The mother-of-two is described as about 5ft 6" tall, slim, fair-skinned with collar-length brown, straight hair.

She disappeared from her home without warning having spent New Year's Eve with her husband Nick, 49, and their teenage children, Tom, 15, and daughter Charlotte, 14.

It is thought that she was wearing a beige coloured jacket, red scarf and gloves.

With the weather so cold the police say they are becoming "increasingly concerned" for her safety.

"We are very grateful to have so many volunteers here who are concerned about Gillian Merrick and want to help us find her," said Detective Chief Inspector Andy Cox.

"We are carrying out a painstaking search and would like everyone who lives in the area to check their sheds, outbuildings and anywhere else where she may have taken shelter from the cold." Anyone who thinks they may have seen Ms Merrick, or anyone who may know where she is, is asked to contact police on 08453 700 700.

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20090105/tuk-police-hunt-on-for-missing-woman-45dbed5.html

[annalyzer]

Searches at home of missing woman

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/northamptonshire/7826171.stm


Searches at home of missing woman

Gillian Merrick pictured with her husband Nick
Searches are taking place at the Northamptonshire home of a woman who has been missing since New Year's Day.

Ground and water searches have taken place in the area near the Oundle home, of Gillian Merrick, 45, but no trace has been found of her.

Police are searching the family home to look for any evidence of where she may be and why she has gone missing.

Searches may continue for a number of days and will also include the family's cars, police said.

Det Ch Insp Andy Cox said: "We are continuing to look for Gillian and we are searching her home so that we can be sure that we have not overlooked anything that could help us find her, which is what both we and Gillian's family want more than anything.

"This is the logical next step in our investigation and we have the family's full co-operation for these searches and will continue to support them with specially-trained family liaison officers.

"This will be a very difficult time for the Merrick family and we are being as sensitive to them during this stage of the investigation as we possibly can."

[Claycat]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/northamptonshire/7825183.stm

The husband of a missing woman from Northamptonshire has made a plea for anyone with any information to get in contact with police.

Gillian Merrick, 45, went missing late on New Year's Day from the Oundle home she shares with her husband Nick and teenage son and daughter.

Searches in the area and widespread appeals have so far failed to find her.

Now her husband Nick Merrick, 49, has spoken of the "desperate" need for news of the missing mother-of-two.

He said: "We just want her back, we need her back as soon as possible."

Engineer Mr Merrick said the couple had been married for just over 20 years and have two children - Tom, 15, and Charlotte 14.

He said they had moved to Oundle from the south-east for work, and were a very close-knit family, enjoying regular walks in the area.

He said Mrs Merrick, who worked in administration support at his company, had back surgery in October which left her with numbness down her right side, and had "got her down."

But he said she was making regular walks and improving day by day, and looking ahead to the future.

On New Year's Eve, the family celebrated with a steak dinner at home and the following day went out to a nearby village for a walk and pub lunch, then watched films at home.

Mr Merrick said: "I last spoke to her just before one in the morning.

"The last thing she said to me as I got back into bed was, 'I do love you Nicky'."

Searches to resume

Mr Merrick said when he woke up on 2 January, his wife was gone.

Det Ch Insp Andy Cox, from Northamptonshire Police, said he is still very keen to hear from a woman seen walking along the A605 during the early hours of 2 January.

Ground searches and underwater searches are due to resume in Oundle on Tuesday, police said.

Mrs Merrick is 5ft 6in (1.67m) with straight brown collar length hair. She is thought to have been wearing a beige jacket, red scarf and red gloves.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northamptonshire Police.

[sarahhod]

Thanks for posting this Claycat.

I have been following this on our local news but didn't realise it could be posted here. (doh!).

[sarahhod]

After 14 days still no sign of missing Gillian


http://www.northantset.co.uk/news/After-14-days-still-no.4873141.jp


14 January 2009
By Monique Cleaver



The home of missing Oundle woman Gillian Merrick is being searched by police in the latest stage in the investigation.
Police began searching the detached home in Sutton Road yesterday with the co-operation of Mrs Merrick's family.

The 45-year-old has been missing since the evening of January 1.

When her husband Nick woke up on the morning of January 2, she was not in bed and since then extensive ground and water searches have been
carried out around Oundle.

Det Chief Insp Andy Cox, who is leading the search for Mrs Merrick, said: "We are searching her home to be sure we have not overlooked anything that could help us find her, which is what both we and Gillian's family want more than anything.

"This will be a very difficult time for the Merrick family and we are being as sensitive to them during this stage of the investigation as we possibly can."

The search of the family home is likely to continue for several days.
A team of around 40 volunteers, including Mrs Merrick's friends and colleagues, joined previous searches of the countryside.

Helicopters and sniffer dogs were also drafted in.

Mrs Merrick had spent New Year's Eve at home with her husband and their children Tom, 15, and Charlotte, 14, both pupils at Prince William School in Oundle.

The family had gone out for a walk and a pub lunch in nearby Wadenhoe before returning to their home.

The couple went to bed together but Mrs Merrick had gone when her husband woke up the following morning.

She is slim, about 5ft 6in, with collar-length brown hair and is thought to have been wearing a beige jacket, red scarf and gloves.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts can call police on 08453 700700.


Timeline of the disappearance and search for Gillian Merrick


* Thursday, January 1: Gillian Merrick last seen at her Oundle home

*

* Friday, January 2, 5pm: Mrs Merrick reported missing by husband Nick and a search starts.

*

* Saturday, January 3: Search continues in Barnwell Country Park, a nearby school and along the A605.

*

* Sunday, January 4: Up to 40 people from Oundle join the search. Specially-trained search dogs from Wales joined the hunt.

*

* Monday, January 5: Extensive searches carried with 50 volunteers

*

* Tuesday, January 6,. Underwater search team search.

*

* Wednesday, January 7: Search moves to East Sussex, where the family used to live

*

* Thursday, January 8: Police stopped motorists on the A605 near Oundle to find people who were in the area at the time Mrs Merrick went missing

*

* Friday, January 9: Family releases photographs of holidays in the hope that someone will recognise her

*

* Monday, January 12: Nick Merrick and the couple's two children, Tom, 15, and Charlotte, 14, appeared at an emotional press conference,

*

* Tuesday, January 13: Police officers start searching Mrs Merrick's home.

[Claycat]

It is so sad and strange!

[Roamer]

http://d.yimg.com/i/ng/ne/skynews/20090105/12/430101440-police-hunt-missing-woman.jpg#180,180 Police Hunt On For Missing Woman

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20090105/tuk-police-hunt-on-for-missing-woman-45dbed5.html

[Claycat]

Thanks for posting her pic, Roamer!

[annalyzer]

http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/Missing-Gillian-Merrick-latest-Police.4867577.jp

Missing Gillian Merrick latest: Police search family home


Video
Home video of Mrs Merrick, who has still not been found despite extensive searchesGillian Merrick and her family

Published Date: 12 January 2009
Northamptonshire Police are today carrying out searches at the home of missing mum Gillian Merrick.
No trace has been seen of Mrs Merrick, 45, since New Year's Day despite ground and water searches around the mother-of-two's home in Oundle.

She was last seen by her family at about 11pm on January 1 and her husband Nick, son Tom, 15, and daughter Charlotte, 14, have made emotional appeals for her to come home.

Det Chief Insp Andy Cox, who is leading the investigation into Mrs Merrick's disappearance, said the searches, which also include the family cars, were taking place with the full co-operation of her family.

He said: "We are continuing to look for Gillian and we are searching her home today so that we can be sure that we have not overlooked anything that could help us find her, which is what both we and Gillian's family want more than anything.

"This is the logical next step in our investigation and we have the family's full co-operation for these searches and will continue to support them with specially-trained family liaison officers.

"This will be a very difficult time for the Merrick family and we are being as sensitive to them during this stage of the investigation as we possibly can."

At a press conference yesterday, Mr Merrick said: "We just want her back, we need her back as soon as possible.

"She adored the children, the children adored her. We had a very idyllic family life.

"When the day is done we hold hands and although we aren't particularly religious last night we just prayed for her return."

The revelation came after home videos of the missing mum and her family were released by police.

Mrs Merrick, 45, enjoyed a quiet family celebration with her family on New Year's Day before she disappeared in the middle of the night.

The family went for a walk and a pub lunch on New Year's Day in nearby Wadenhoe, before returning to their home in Sutton Road and settling down to watch television.

The couple then went to bed, but when her husband woke up in the morning, Mrs Merrick was gone.

Mrs Merrick was believed to be wearing a beige coloured jacket, red scarf and gloves when she went missing.

She is about 5ft 6ins tall, of slim build, of fair complexion, with collar length brown, straight hair.

Officers would like to speak to anyone who may have seen her or who may have any information about her whereabouts.

Gillian, or anyone who may know where she is, is asked to contact police on 08453 700 700.

[sarahhod]

http://www.northantset.co.uk/sectionhome.aspx?sectionID=14980

Video clips of Gillian

[sarahhod]

Family plea for missing mum Gillian Merrick to get in touch

http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/Family-plea-for-missing-mum.4882730.jp

Published Date: 15 January 2009


http://i43.tinypic.com/643wag.jpg

Urgent messages for missing Northamptonshire mother Gillian Merrick have been released by her family.
Mrs Merrick, a 45-year-old mother of two teenagers, has not been seen since New Year's Day when she apparently left her home in Oundle late at night.

Despite extensive searches of the surrounding area and the family home, no trace of her has been found.

Her husband Nick said: "While the photographs in the media of the house search are distressing, we are wholly supportive and appreciative of the efforts being made by the police to restore our family by finding Gillian safe and well.

"She is the glue that holds us together and brings light to the day. Our plans for 2009 are well under way and bring much promise to the future - we are confident she will be part of that and can't wait for her to be re-united with us to enjoy it."

In a direct message to his wife, he said: "Gillian - please don't worry about the current publicity in the media and elsewhere - our concern is your welfare and how we can build to be an even stronger family than before. All my love, Nick."

Her brother-in-law Chris and his wife Rosemary added: "Nick, Tom and Charlotte are missing you terribly and are frantic with worry, please, please get in touch with one of us we can't wait to hear from you."

Her mother and father, who asked not to be named, said: "We love you dearly and you are a very important part of our lives. Please let us know that you are safe and well and will be back with us all soon. You mean the world to us and we miss you desperately."

Police have confirmed searches of the family home would continue until the end of the week.

[sarahhod]

Family renews missing woman plea

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/northamptonshire/7832977.stm



http://i42.tinypic.com/23ubmdd.jpg
Gillian Merrick pictured with her husband Nick



The family of a woman missing from her Northamptonshire home have repeated a plea for her to come home calling her the "glue that holds us together".

Ground and water searches have taken place in the area near the Oundle home of mother-of two Gillian Merrick, 45, who was last seen on New Year's Day.

Her mother and father said in a statement: "You mean the world to us and we miss you desperately."

Officers have searched the family home for any evidence of where she may be.

The search has also included the family's cars.

'Stronger family'

Mrs Merrick's husband, Nick, said photographs in the media of the house search were distressing but the family supported the efforts being made by the police to find his wife.

He said: "She is the glue that holds us together and brings light to the day.

"Our plans for 2009 are well under way... we are confident she will be part of that and can't wait for her to be re-united with us to enjoy it."

In a message to his wife, he added: "Gillian - please don't worry about the current publicity in the media and elsewhere - our concern is your welfare and how we can build to be an even stronger family than before."

Mrs Merrick is 5ft 6ins, slim and has shoulder-length, brown hair.

Anyone who knows where she may be is asked to contact police.

[sarahhod]

Missing mum's home still being searched

http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/Missing-mum39s-home-still-being.4886445.jp

Published Date: 17 January 2009
By Nick Reinis


POLICE searching for a missing mum-of-two said today they would continue to search the family home over the weekend.
Gillian Merrick has been missing since New Year’s Day when she was last seen at her home, in Sutton Road, Oundle, at around 11pm.

Searches at the 45-year-old’s home began earlier in the week, and today police announced that they were set to continue during the weekend.

However, they have stressed that the searches are simply a matter of procedure as part of the missing person inquiry, and they are being carried out with the full co-operation of Mrs Merrick’s family, who are being supported by specially-trained police family liaison officers.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Cox, who is leading the search, said: “Gillian has been missing for two weeks now, and we are continuing to search for her in every way we can and to find anything that could lead us to her.

“We are still very interested to hear from anyone who may have information about where Gillian is or why she may have disappeared, and I would ask anyone who can help to contact us in the incident room.”

Mrs Merrick’s disappearance sparked extensive searches in and around her home town, which has included a search of nearby waterways by divers and a night-time operation on the A605 Oundle Road to talk to motorists.

n Anyone who knows where Mrs Merrick may be is asked to call police on 08453 700700. She is described as 5ft 6ins tall with shoulder-length dark hair.

[annalyzer]

http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/Concern-grows-for-missing-Gillian.4842674.jp

Hunt for missing mum: Urgent appeal to lorry driver

Gillian Merrick has been missing since New Year's Day

http://editorial.jpress.co.uk/web/Upload/NCE//TH1_5120093Gillian%20Merrick.jpg
"The last thing she said was that she loved me"
Husband Nick Merrick

Published Date: 05 January 2009
Police hunting for missing mother-of-two Gillian Merrick are appealing for a lorry driver who saw a woman at the side of a busy Northamptonshire road to come forward.
Underwater divers yesterday searched locks and waterways in the hunt for the mother-of-two, who has been missing from her home since New Year's Day.

Mrs Merrick, 45, enjoyed a quiet family celebration with husband, Nick, and their teenage son and daughter before she disappeared in the middle of the night.

Mrs Merrick, who is recovering from a back operation and has difficulty walking, was last seen on the outskirts of Oundle, where she lives, in the early hours of Friday.

Police intensified a search over the weekend, drafting in the force helicopter and sniffer dogs, conducting door-to-door enquiries and searching nearby parkland and countryside.

The last confirmed sighting of Mrs Merrick was at home at about 11pm on New Year's Day but a woman was reportedly seen along the A605 about a quarter of a mile from Oundle towards Thrapston on Friday morning.

Police are appealing for a lorry driver who they say may have passed a woman walking in the carriageway on the morning of Friday January 2 to come forward.

That lorry driver, or anyone else with information, is asked to contact Northamptonshire Police on 08453 700700 as a matter of urgency.

Dozens of friends and neighbours joined the search for Mrs Merrick, but with temperatures dropping below freezing officers say they are becoming "increasingly concerned" for her safety.

A specialist underwater search team, Spartan Rescue, was used to search locks and waterways in the area, while volunteers will continued ground searches with police.

And today police planned to hold further ground and water searches and use the police helicopter to cover a wide area of ground.

Mr Merrick, who works as an engineer, said: "We are all getting extremely worried and the children are missing her desperately.

"We have had so many hugs and cuddles in the last couple of days and all we want is to have Gill back with us.

"The last thing she said to me on Thursday night was that she loved me. I told her I loved her, too, and that was the last time we saw each other."

Mrs Merrick had spent New Year's Eve at home with her husband and their children, Tom, 15, and Charlotte, 14, both pupils at Prince William School in Oundle.

The family went for a walk and a pub lunch on New Year's Day in nearby Wadenhoe, before returning to their home in Sutton Road and settling down to watch television.

The couple then went to bed, but when her husband woke up in the morning, Mrs Merrick was gone.

Mr Merrick said: "Gill loved walking and went out twice a day around the town on what we called her 'getting better walks' after her back operation about six weeks ago.

"But she was very safety-conscious and would never go out if it was frosty or drizzly, in case she slipped.

"She can't abide the cold, so to go out at whatever time it was in the morning not dressed for the weather and without walking shoes on, that alone is completely out of character.

"She adores the children. They are smashing kids and you couldn't ask for better.

"She gets on well with everyone and we had already made lots of plans for the year ahead. I just can't understand it."

Inspector Gary Williams from the Northamptonshire Police, said: "We are continuing to search for Gillian in the area near her home and today we will be extending that search to stretches of water in the area.

"We are becoming increasingly concerned about her welfare as her disappearance is totally out of character and would like Gillian or anyone who has seen her since she left her home on New Year's Day to get in touch as soon as possible."

Mrs Merrick was believed to be wearing a beige coloured jacket, red scarf and gloves when she went missing.

She is about 5ft 6ins tall, of slim build, of fair complexion, with collar length brown, straight hair.

Officers would like to speak to anyone who may have seen her or who may have any information about her whereabouts.

Gillian, or anyone who may know where she is, is asked to contact police on 08453 700 700.

[annalyzer]

http://editorial.jpress.co.uk/web/Upload/NCE//TH1_5120093Gillian%20Merrick.jpg

Gillian Merrick: Family's special message to missing mum

http://editorial.jpress.co.uk/web/Upload/STAM//TH1_161200952GILLIA~1.jpg
Gillian Merrick

Date: 16 January 2009
THE distraught family of missing mum Gillian Merrick told today how she was the 'glue' that held them together and was a vital part of their plans for the new year.
The emotional plea for her quick return came after detectives began a painstaking search of the family home of mum-of-two Gillian (45), of Sutton Road, Oundle, who has not been seen since 11pm on New Year's Day.

Earlier this week, Mrs Merrick's husband, Nick (49) spoke of how much he and the couple's two teenage children, Charlotte and Tom, missed her.

In a personal message yesterday to his wife of 20 years, Mr Merrick said: "She is the glue that holds us together and brings light to the day."

He said: "While the photographs in the media of the house search are distressing to myself and our family we are wholly supportive and appreciative of the efforts being made by the police to restore our family by finding Gillian safe and well.

"Our plans for 2009 are well under way and bring much promise to the future – we are confident she will be part of that and can't wait for her to be reunited with us to enjoy it."

"Gillian – please don't worry about the current publicity in the media and elsewhere – our concern is your welfare and how we can build to be an even stronger family than before. All my love, Nick."

Messages from other members of Mrs Merrick's family were also released by police.

Mrs Merrick's parents, who wish to remain anonymous, wrote: "We love you dearly and you are a very important part of our lives.

"Please let us know that you are safe and well and will be back with us all soon. You mean the world to us and we miss you desperately.""

Her brother-in-law, Chris, and his wife, Rosemary, added: "Please come back Gillian as we are all missing you so much and are desperate to know that you are safe and well and will be home soon to your family.

"Nick, Tom and Charlotte are missing you terribly and are frantic with worry. Please, please get in touch with one of us we can't wait to hear from you."

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Cox, who is leading the hunt for Gillian, said: "We are continuing to work closely in co-operation with the Merrick family and share their concern to find out where Gillian has gone as soon as possible."

He said the search of the family home was a logical step in their hunt for Mrs Merrick and was being carried out with the full support of the family.

It followed almost two weeks of extensive searches in and around her home town, which has included a search of nearby waterways by divers and a night-time operation on the A605 Oundle Road to talk to motorists who may have used the road at the time of Mrs Merrick's disappearance.

Gillian Merrick is 5ft 6ins tall, slim and has shoulder length brown hair.

Anyone who knows where Mrs Merrick may be is asked to call police on 08453 700700

[annalyzer]

http://www.chichester.co.uk/mid-sussex-news/Missing-woman.4855406.jp

Missing woman

08 January 2009

POLICE are making enquiries in the Forest Row area in connection with the disappearance of Gillian Merrick, 45, who went missing from her home in Oundle, Northamptonshire, on January 1.

The Merrick family – Gillian, her husband and two children - had lived in Forest Row, East Sussex, around three years ago and police are now keen to find out whether there have been any sightings of Gillian in the area.

Police have been contactingADVERTISEMENTpeople in East Sussex who they know are friends or acquaintances of Gillian to check if they have seen her or have any information that could be helpful in the investigation into her disappearance.

Now Northamptonshire Police are asking anyone in East Sussex who may not have been contacted, but may have seen Gillian or have any information about her that may help to find her, to get in touch.

Gillian Merrick was last seen at her home at about 11pm on New Year's Day. She is thought to have left the house on foot, wearing a beige jacket, red scarf and red gloves. She is 5ft 6ins tall with straight brown collar length hair.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Cox, who is leading the investigation into Gillian's disappearance, said: "We are following up every possible line of enquiry that may lead us to Gillian and we would like to hear from anyone who knows here from her time in East Sussex and may be able to shed light on her whereabouts."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northamptonshire Police on 08453 700700.

[annalyzer]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/northamptonshire/7809685.stm

Concern for woman missing in cold

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/45343000/jpg/_45343127_merrick226.jpg

Gillian Merrick has been missing from home since late Thursday night
A 45-year-old woman has gone missing in Northamptonshire and her family and police say they are concerned for her welfare during the cold snap.

Gillian Claire Merrick was last seen at her home in Oundle late on Thursday.

Residents in the area are asked to check buildings or sheds to see if she may have taken refuge from the cold.

Ramblers are also asked to keep a look out for her in the countryside. She is believed to be wearing a beige coloured jacket, red scarf and gloves.

She is about 5ft 6ins tall, of slim build, of fair complexion, with collar length brown, straight hair.

"It is out of character for Gillian not to have made contact with friends of family and because of this officers are concerned for her welfare," a Northamptonshire Police spokesman said.

[annalyzer]

http://www.leinsterleader.ie/latest-east-midlands-news/Police-probe-sightings-in-search.4861939.jp

Police probe sightings in search for missing woman

10 January 2009

Police searching for a mother-of-two have been investigating sightings of a woman seen walking away from her home town in Oundle, Northants, around the time she disappeared.
Northamptonshire Police received two separate reports, the second made public on Friday, but have been unable to establish if the person spotted was missing Gillian Merrick.

Police spoke to about 300 motorists on the A605 near Mrs Merrick's hometoADVERTISEMENTwn, in overnight efforts to find the 45-year-old, who was last seen at her home at about 11pm on New Year's Day.

The sightings were of a woman seen walking alongside the road in the early hours of January 2.

Ground searches have continued in the area around her home as divers searched waterways in nearby Barnwell.

Mrs Merrick's disappearance is said to be totally out of character.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Cox, who is leading the search, said: "We are looking at what people were able to tell us during the operation, which I think was very useful, and we are continuing to search for Gillian in the area.

"However, if it was not Gillian walking on the A605 last Friday morning, I would like to hear from the woman who was, so we can discount that line of inquiry.

"Her family are clearly very distressed that she has not come home and we are keen to hear from anyone with information about where she could be."

Mrs Merrick is 5ft 6ins tall with straight brown collar-length hair. She is thought to have been wearing a beige jacket, red scarf and red gloves at the time she went missing.

[sarahhod]

Appeal to Terry Wogan to help find missing Gillian Merrick

http://www.northantset.co.uk/news/Appeal-to-Terry-Wogan-to.4892466.jp

Published Date: 20 January 2009


The husband of missing Gill Merrick says he is turning to Terry Wogan to help find his wife.
As police continue another day of searching his Oundle home in a bid to find clues about the whereabouts of the 45-year-old mother-of-two, Nick Merrick is hoping the BBC Radio 2 stalwart will air an appeal to find her.

He has written to the veteran broadcaster, who presents Wake up to Wogan in the mornings, in the hope she will hear it – or a listener may be able to provide information as to where she might be.
Mr Merrick said: "We still live in hope.

"I have written to Terry Wogan because Gill and I used to listen to him together.

"You never know, it might help"

Seach of home continues

He said he was aiming to get more national coverage about Gill's disappearance because he now believes she may be somewhere away from the region.

Police have been searching the family's house since Tuesday.

Mr Merrick and his two children, Tom, 15, and Charlotte, 14, stayed with relatives in East Sussex last week but have returned to Oundle and they are now living in an hotel while Tom takes a GCSE exam.

Mr Merrick said: "It is weird that the police are inside my home and I am on the outside unable to get in.

"It is also strange to think they are going through everything – every page of every book and all my work papers.

"But we have nothing to hide and maybe they will find something that will lead to us finding Gill."

He said the children had been "superb" during what has been a dark time. He added: "I know Gill will be very proud of them."
He said that he still believes his wife will come home.

Police say searches at the family home will continue until the middle of the week.

Det Chief Insp Andy Cox said he had anticipated from the outset that the searches would take some time.

He said: "We are being systematic and thorough in our search at the Merrick home and it was not unexpected that it would take this long. "We are keeping in touch with Mr Merrick and his family and we have their full co-operation.

"We are continuing to search for Gillian in every way we can and would like to hear from anyone who may have information about where she is or why she may have disappeared."

Mrs Merrick was last seen at about 1am on January 2. She is described as 5ft 6in with shoulder-length, dark hair.

Anyone who has information about the whereabouts of Mrs Merrick is asked to call police on 08453 700700.

[Claycat]

Sarah, I know that the UK has even more of a video surveillance presence than we do in the US. Isn't it possible that she might have been caught on video, or is this area too rural? How about video surveillance on A605 where the motorists saw a woman?

[TigressPen]

I wonder if the police believe Mrs. Merrick is no longer with us and suspect her husband. I pray that isn't the case and that she is home soon. Thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends.

[annalyzer]

http://www.fenlandcitizen.co.uk/latest-east-midlands-news/Police-still-searching-missing-mother39s.4891013.jp

Police still searching missing mother's home

20 January 2009

Searches at the Northamptonshire home of a missing mother-of-two are expected to continue until the middle of this week, police said.
Gillian Merrick, 45, disappeared from the house in Oundle on New Year's Day and has not been seen since. Officers began scouring the property last Tuesday.

Police said they had anticipated that the searches of the family home would take some time.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Cox said: "We are being systematic and thorough in our search at the Merrick home and it was not unexpected that it would take this long.

"We are keeping closely in touch with Mr Merrick and his family and we have their full co-operation during our work."

Mrs Merrick has not been seen since the evening of January 1. Since her disappearance, appeals from her husband and family and widespread searches by police have failed to find her.

Last week, police said forensic searches at the home where Mrs Merrick lived with her husband Nick and two teenage children were the next logical step in the investigation.

Mr Cox said: "We are continuing to search for Gillian in every way we can and would like to hear from anyone who may have information about where she is or why she may have disappeared."

Mrs Merrick is described as 5ft 6in with shoulder length dark hair. Mr Merrick, 49, described her as the "glue that holds us together".

[sarahhod]

Sarah, I know that the UK has even more of a video surveillance presence than we do in the US. Isn't it possible that she might have been caught on video, or is this area too rural? How about video surveillance on A605 where the motorists saw a woman?

It is a very rural, kind of farming area with lots and lots of fields and ditches. There may be speeding cameras along the A605 but would only go off if a speeding driver went past it, so there probably isn't any CCTV.

The police have been looking hard for her.

It followed almost two weeks of extensive searches in and around her home town, which has included a search of nearby waterways by divers and a night-time operation on the A605 Oundle Road to talk to motorists who may have used the road at the time of Mrs Merrick's disappearance.


Saturday, January 3: Search continues in Barnwell Country Park, a nearby school and along the A605.

Thursday, January 8: Police stopped motorists on the A605 near Oundle to find people who were in the area at the time Mrs Merrick went missing

I dont think this woman has come forward so maybe it was Gillian walking down the A605 at 1am on January 2. Maybe someone gave her a lift although I cannot imagine much traffic on this road at this time of the morning.

Det Ch Insp Andy Cox, from Northamptonshire Police, said he is still very keen to hear from a woman seen walking along the A605 during the early hours of 2 January.

[sarahhod]

http://i42.tinypic.com/2yyp5hi.jpg

This is a map of the immediate area. Oundle is a tiny little village with a population of 5,500. There are lots of fields and waterways surrounding it.

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=oundle+uk&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&split=0&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&resnum=1&ct=image

Oundle is an ancient market town on the River Nene in Northamptonshire, England, with a population of 5,345 (2001 census). It is 80 miles north of London and 12 miles south-west of Peterborough.

This is another map I found which shows all the waterways a bit clearer.

http://i42.tinypic.com/2s7etxc.jpg

Hope this helps.
http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/Oundle

[sarahhod]

Woman seen on road - but was she Gillian?

http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/Woman-seen-on-road-.4863423.jp



Published Date: 10 January 2009
By Asha Mehta


POLICE are today trying to trace a woman seen walking along the side of a road just hours after the disappearance of an Oundle mum.
Detectives have now received two separate eyewitness reports of a woman seen walking away from Oundle along the A605 in the early hours of Friday, 2 January.

The last confirmed sighting of Gillian Merrick was at 11pm on New Year's Day, and detectives want to find out if the walker was the 45-year-old.

Now police want women who may have been walking in the area at the time to contact them.

The plea comes shortly after officers quizzed 300 drivers during a special operation on the A605 near Oundle on Thursday night as part of the search.

The information given by the drivers will now be considered by officers.

Anyone with information is asked to call Northamptonshire police on 08453 700700.

Ground searches continued yesterday in the area close to Mrs Merrick's home and specially-trained search officers moved further away from Oundle and were working principally around the village of Barnwell.

Spartan Rescue also continued to search waterways in the area.

Police and volunteers, including Mrs Merrick's colleagues at Peterborough firm Black and Veatch, carried out extensive searches on the ground and handed out posters and leaflets asking for anyone who had seen Mrs Merrick to come forward.

Earlier in the week, police refocused the search to East Sussex where the family, including Mrs Merrick's husband Nick and their two children, used to live.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Cox, who is leading the search for Gillian, said: "We are looking at what people were able to tell us during Thursday night's operation, which I think was very useful, and we are continuing to search for Gillian in the area today.

"However, if it was not Gillian walking on the A605 last Friday morning, I would like to hear from the woman who was, so we can discount that line of inquiry.

"Her family are clearly very distressed that she has not come home and we are keen to hear from anyone with information about where she could be."

Mrs Merrick is 5ft 6ins tall with straight brown collar-length hair.

She is thought to have been wearing a beige jacket, red scarf and red gloves.

Anyone with information is asked to call Northamptonshire police on 08453 700700.

[sarahhod]

Missing woman home search to end

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/northamptonshire/7837785.stm


Police searching the Northamptonshire home of a missing woman say they believe they will have finished their activities by the middle of the week.

Gillian Merrick, 45, went missing late on New Year's Day from the Oundle home she shares with her husband Nick and teenage son and daughter.

Officers began searching her home last week to look for evidence of where she may be and why she has gone missing.

A spokesman said they had anticipated the searches would take some time.

Det Ch Insp Andy Cox said: "We are being systematic and thorough in our search at the Merrick home and it was not unexpected that it would take this long.

'Desperate'

"We are keeping closely in touch with Mr Merrick and his family and we have their full co-operation during our work."

Searches in the area and widespread appeals have so far failed to find her.

Her husband Nick Merrick, 49, has spoken of the "desperate" need for news of the missing mother-of-two.

He said: "We just want her back, we need her back as soon as possible."

The couple have been married for just over 20 years and have two children, Tom, 15, and Charlotte 14.

Mrs Merrick is 5ft 6in (1.67m) with straight brown collar length hair. She is thought to have been wearing a beige jacket, red scarf and red gloves.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northamptonshire Police.

[Claycat]

Thanks for the map, Sarah! So, it is a rural area, and there is a lot of water. I can't even speculate why she would walk away from her family. Maybe she was very depressed. I would be suspicious of the husband, but if there had been clues in the home, it seems like the teens would have known something. Very strange!

[sarahhod]

Thanks for the map, Sarah! So, it is a rural area, and there is a lot of water. I can't even speculate why she would walk away from her family. Maybe she was very depressed. I would be suspicious of the husband, but if there had been clues in the home, it seems like the teens would have known something. Very strange!

I wonder if that is why the police have taken days to search her home. Maybe they are looking for clues that she was killed in her home, like blood evidence or replaced carpets etc etc.

I have to say though that on this one I am not sure that the hubby has anything to do with it. You know what the UK press are like though, they tell you absolutely nothing!!

[sarahhod]

Police search of Merrick home finishes



Published Date: 23 January 2009


The police search at the home of the Merrick family finished this morning.
During the search, officers had the full co-operation of the Merrick Family who will now be able to move back into the house.

Gillian was last seen at her home in Sutton Road in Oundle late on New Year's Day and the investigation into her disappearance is continuing.

The Senior Investigating Officer leading the investigation into Gillian's disappearance, Detective Chief Inspector Andy Cox, said: "We would like anyone who has any information about what has happened to Gillian or who has any information that would be useful to the inquiry to contact us as soon as possible.

"Anyone who does not want to reveal their identity can contact me in confidence."

Gillian is 45 years of age. She is 5'6" tall and is described as being of slim build. Gillian has brown, collar length hair and wears glasses. She is believed to be wearing a beige coloured jacket, red scarf and gloves.

Anyone with information should call Northamptonshire Police on 08453 700700 - alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

http://www.northantset.co.uk/news/Police-search-of-Merrick-home.4909122.jp

[sarahhod]

Police search at missing woman's home ends


Published Date: 24 January 2009
By Ed O'Mara



AN EXTENSIVE police search at the home of missing Oundle woman Gillian Merrick has ended after 11 days, it was confirmed last night.
Officers moved into Mrs Merrick’s family home in Sutton Road last Tuesday to search for clues which might lead to her whereabouts.

The 45-year-old mother-of-two disappeared on New Year’s Day and has not been seen since.
Police said the detailed http://ad.uk.doubleclick.net/ad/peterborough.jp/news;channel=editorial;pos=mpu;sectionid=845;sz=30 0x250;mtfIFPath=/template/expandables/;ord=123456789? (http://ad.uk.doubleclick.net/jump/peterborough.jp/news;channel=editorial;pos=mpu;sectionid=845;sz=30 0x250;mtfIFPath=/template/expandables/;ord=123456789?) forensic operation at the house, which took place with the full co-operation of Mrs Merrick’s family, ended yesterday morning

Her husband, Nick (49), and children Tom (15) and Charlotte (14), had been staying with relatives and at hotels, but are now believed to have moved back in.

Meanwhile, the officer in charge of the investigation into Mrs Merrick’s disappearance says he is becoming more concerned for her safety.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Cox said: “Gillian has now been missing for three weeks so we are becoming ever more concerned for her welfare.

“We would like any member of the public who believes they know why Gillian is missing or where she could be to contact us.

“Anyone who does not want to reveal their identity can contact me in confidence, or call the Crimestoppers hotline. We will continue to work as hard as we can to find Gillian.”

Mrs Merrick is 5ft 6ins tall, slim, has brown, collar-length hair and wears glasses.

Anyone with information can call police on 08453 700700 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/Police-search-at-missing-woman39s.4909648.jp

[packy]

I've been reading this and hoping each day there would be some good news. It's good they searched the house to rule out anything having happened there.

It was mentioned she said that night that she really did love Nicky. I wonder if that was unusual for her to voice it that way or just what she would usually say.

[sarahhod]

I've been reading this and hoping each day there would be some good news. It's good they searched the house to rule out anything having happened there.

It was mentioned she said that night that she really did love Nicky. I wonder if that was unusual for her to voice it that way or just what she would usually say.

I thought that was quite odd too. I say I Love You to my hubby and kids, but "I do love you Nicky" is also making a statement, maybe she was saying goodbye to him really:0009:

"The last thing she said to me as I got back into bed was, 'I do love you Nicky'."

[Claycat]

This is so perplexing!

[sarahhod]

The last family picture of missing mum Gillian Merrick

By Andrew Gregory 26/01/2009 (http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/01/26/)
http://images.mirror.co.uk/upl/m4/jan2009/7/6/105F6B14-0259-AC37-C4BF8227B4FBA279.jpg
Posing happily with her family, this is the poignant last photo of missing mum Gillian Merrick.
Taken with the camera’s self-timer, it shows her on a New Year’s Day outing with husband Nick and children Tom and Charlotte.
By next morning Gillian, 45, had vanished without trace.
Distraught Nick, 49, recalls how Gillian, who was recovering from a back injury, had driven for the first time in six weeks as the family enjoyed a day out in the countryside.
He was speaking publicly for the first time since he woke to find Gillian missing from their bed on January 2. Despite a massive police investigation and forensic search of their £380,000 home there is still no clue to what happened to her.
In an emotional interview Nick revealed that in the weeks leading up to her mysterious disappearance the family had never been happier.
He said: “This doesn’t happen to us. We’re just a normal family, just going through life, enjoying it.”
He added: “Gillian is the glue that holds us together – and we’re hurting so much. She enjoyed work, got on very well with the people she worked with and is a regular blood donor.
“It sounds very twee, but we just enjoyed each other’s company, going out with the children, pottering about.” Nick and Gillian first met working for the same water firm in Eastbourne, East Sussex, and married in April 1988.

The couple soon moved to the Middle East, where engineer Nick had taken a job. Tom, 15, and Charlotte, 14, were born in Bahrain.
After five and a half years, the family moved back to Britain, settling in East Grinstead, West Sussex. Three years ago they moved to Oundle, Northants. Both Nick and Gillian worked for Black & Veatch, near Peterborough, Cambs.
Nick revealed Gillian had been recovering from surgery on a slipped disc. She was preparing to return to work on January 8. He described her drive to picturesque Wadenhoe, Northants, on January 1 as a “major breakthrough” for her.
He added: “We all went to bed about 11pm, as normal, and I last spoke to Gill just before 1am.
“I got up about 7.30am and thought she’d nipped to the loo but she wasn’t there. I looked around the house but there was no sign of her anywhere.”
Thinking she may have gone for a walk he drove around the area before finally calling the police at about 8.30am.
More than 50 volunteers joined in the massive search, which included helicopters, divers and sniffer dogs. Gillian’s mobile and handbag were discovered in the house.
Her passport and that of her daughter Charlotte were missing – but Nick believes they may have been lost after a recent family holiday to Amsterdam.
He says he is not worried by what people might think about the extensive search of the family home and has nothing to hide. He said: “We want them to do anything it takes to find her. We just want her back.”
Det Chief Insp Andy Cox, who is leading the hunt, said: “We would like to hear from anyone who may have information about where Gillian is or why she may have disappeared.”


http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/01/26/the-last-family-picture-of-missing-mum-gillian-merrick-115875-21071290/

[sarahhod]

Missing mum's family return home





http://editorial.jpress.co.uk/web/Upload/KET//TH1_241200953merricks1.jpg
Tom Merrick, 15, father Nick Merrick and daughter Charlotte Merrick, 14

(http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:%20ShowThumb%280%29;)


Published Date:
24 January 2009
By Kirsty Nicolson (kirsty.nicolson@northantsnews.co.uk)

The family of missing woman Gillian Merrick have been allowed to return home after police spent 10 days searching their house.The 45-year-old's husband Nick and children Tom,15, and Charlotte,14, can finally have back the keys to their home in Oundle.

Officers scoured the property for clues as to where Gillian, who was last seen in the early hours of January 2, may have gone.

And her family have been living in hotels and with relatives while the searches were carried out.

Mr Merrick said: "It will be so nice to be back in our own home.
"As I said before, it was strange being on the outside looking in."

The family had to buy new clothes while police kept theirs – as well as phones and the family car – while they carried out searches.

Mr Merrick said: "It will be good to get our own clothes back.

"We felt like we were buying out Tesco store for new ones. Our relatives have been ever so good doing our washing.

"We are still hopeful and we are looking forward to seeing if the police have found anything that can help find Gill."

The Merricks have been staying with relatives in East Sussex but returned to Oundle last week so Tom could sit a GCSE science exam.

Mr Merrick said: "I think it is a fantastic achievement that he went and sat his exam.

"We have had some goodwill cards from a number of people, some of whom we have never met, but we have not been able to reply to them as we have not been at home.

Mrs Merrick spent what has been described as an enjoyable New Year's Day with her family before going to bed. The next morning she was gone, along with her favourite coat, tracksuit bottoms and scarf.

Anyone with information is asked to call Northamptonshire police on 08453 700700 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

http://www.northantset.co.uk/news/Missing-mums-family-return-home.4910188.jp
[/URL] http://helpfindthemissing.org/forum/%5Bdefault_img_src%5D [URL="http://ad.uk.doubleclick.net/jump/kettering.jp/news;channel=editorial;pos=mpu;sectionid=661;sz=30 0x250;mtfIFPath=/template/expandables/;ord=123456789?"] http://ad.uk.doubleclick.net/ad/kettering.jp/news;channel=editorial;pos=mpu;sectionid=661;sz=30 0x250;mtfIFPath=/template/expandables/;ord=123456789? (http://ad.uk.doubleclick.net/jump/N2806.GMWMedia.ilevel/B3334328;sz=300x250;ord=1232969332442?%22)

[sarahhod]

Family's GMTV appeal over missing mother


Published Date:


27 January 2009

By ET Staff (news@peterboroughtoday.co.uk)


Nick Merrick, the distraught husband of a missing woman today appeared on national television to appeal for his wife to return home.
Mr Merrick broke down in tears in front of presenters at GMTV as he made a desperate plea for his wife and mother of two Gillian (45) to return to her family.

In front of millions of viewers, he said: "This doesn't happen to us. We're just a normal family, just going through life, enjoying it.

And he added: "Gillian is the glue that holds us together – and we're hurting so much."

Mrs Merrick, of Sutton Road, Oundle, has not been seen since she went for a walk at 11pm on New Year's Day.

And widescale searches of the surrounding countryside by her distraught family and police have failed to find her.

Today, police said that searches of the Oundle area are continuing after they finished extensive searches at the Merricks' home.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Cox, who is leading the search for Northamptonshire police, said: "I am becoming increasingly concerned for Gillian's welfare and would urge her to make contact with me as a matter of urgency."

Anyone who knows where Mrs Merrick may be is asked to call police on 08453 700700.

She is described as 5ft 6ins tall, with shoulder-length brown hair.

http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/Family39s-GMTV-appeal-over-missing.4915921.jp

[sarahhod]

Police chief's concern for missing Gillian Merrick
http://editorial.jpress.co.uk/web/Upload/KET//TH1_271200932Gilliam-Merricknew.jpg
Oundle mum Gillian Merrick is still missing

(http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:%20ShowThumb%280%29;)http://ad.uk.doubleclick.net/ad/kettering.jp/news;channel=editorial;pos=mpu;sectionid=661;sz=30 0x250;mtfIFPath=/template/expandables/;ord=123456789? (http://ad.uk.doubleclick.net/jump/kettering.jp/news;channel=editorial;pos=mpu;sectionid=661;sz=30 0x250;mtfIFPath=/template/expandables/;ord=123456789?) Published Date: 27 January 2009

A police officer leading the search for missing mum Gillian Merrick says he is becoming increasingly concerned for her welfare.


It is nearly four weeks since the 45-year-old mother-of-two from Oundle went missing.

Det Chief Insp Andy Cox said: "I am becoming increasingly concerned for Gillian's welfare and would urge her to make contact with me as a matter of urgency.

"I would still like to speak to anyone who believes they may have seen Gillian or who may know of her whereabouts and hasn't already contacted us."

Anyone with information should call the inquiry room or Mr Cox directly on 08453 700 700."

http://www.northantset.co.uk/news/Police-chief39s-concern-for-missing.4915285.jp

[sarahhod]

Missing Gill

Last updated: 27 Jan 2009

Concern is growing for missing Mum Gillian Merrick who hasn't been seen since January 2nd - do you have information about her whereabouts?

Police are concerned about the welfare of forty-five year old Gillian Merrick who went missing from her home in Oundle on the evening of New Year's Day and has not been seen since.

Mrs Merrick is thought to have last been seen at home at 11pm on January 1 but since then, has made no contact with her family. Mrs Merrick and her family were very close and there had been no arguments prior to her disappearance.

She is white, 5ft 6ins tall with collar length brown hair. When she went missing, she is thought to have been wearing a beige coat, red gloves and red scarf.

Police searches

Extensive searches are continuing to take place around Oundle and Police are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen Gillian or who knows where she could be.
In an emotional interview her husband Nick revealed that in the weeks leading up to her mysterious disappearance the family had never been happier.
He said: "This doesn't happen to us. We're just a normal family, just going through life, enjoying it. Gillian is the glue that holds us together - and we're hurting so much."

Det Chief Insp Andy Cox, who is leading the hunt, said: "We would like to hear from anyone who may have information about where Gillian is or why she may have disappeared."
Anyone with information should call police on 08453 700700
Gillian's 14-year-old daughter Charlotte has written this poem for her mum
Charlotte's Plea: Come home Moomin

To my lovely Mum, its home I wish you'll come.
I miss you so and want you to know.
Every time that I wake, I feel my heart break.
It's you that Dad misses, with your hugs and your kisses.
Tom and I feel so sad, but only you can make us feel glad.
So our family's simple plea - is that it's you we want to see.
Please come home Mum.
Anyone with information should call police on 08453 700700


http://www.gm.tv/index.cfm?articleid=32999


(http://www.gm.tv/index.cfm?articleid=32999#)

[Claycat]

Oh, that messaage from Charlotte is so sad! Where are you, Gillian?

[annalyzer]

http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/Breaking-news-530pm-Man-held.4929439.jp

Breaking news 5.30pm: Man held over Gillian Merrick disappearance

Published Date: 29 January 2009

A 49-year-old man has been arrested by police investigating the disappearance of missing Oundle mum Gillian Merrick.
Mrs Merrick, 45, of Sutton Road, Oundle, has not been seen since 11pm on New Year's Day.

Her husband Nick Merrick, 49, has previously described his wife as "the glue that holds us together".

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Cox, who is leading the hunt for Gillian,
said: "We can confirm that a 49-year-old man has been arrested as part of the investigation into the dissapearence of Gillian Merrick, of Oundle.

"It's not unusual to make such an arrest which safeguards an individual's rights while they are being arrested by police.

"I must stress that this remains a missing person's investigation and we are still keen to hear from anyone with information about where Gillian might be or why she's gone missing."

Speaking two weeks ago as police launched a search of the family home, Mr Merrick said the family fully supported and appreciated the efforts being made by the police to find his wife.

Gillian Merrick is 5ft 6ins tall, slim and has shoulder length brown hair.

Anyone who knows where Mrs Merrick may be is asked to call police on 08453 700700.

[sarahhod]

Husband arrested and questioned over disappearance of Gillian Merrickhttp://images.mirror.co.uk/design/transparent.gif

30/01/2009 (http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/01/30/)

The husband of a woman who vanished from her home nearly a month ago was arrested last night.
Engineer Nick Merrick, 49, was questioned about his wife Gillian, 45, then released on police bail.
He reported she was last seen going to bed at 11pm on New Year's Day.
The couple's children Tom, 15, and Charlotte, 14, helped in searches for their mother, an admin worker.
This week the Mirror published the last known picture of Gillian, of Oundle, Northants.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/01/30/husband-arrested-and-questioned-over-disappearance-of-gillian-merrick-115875-21082190/

[annalyzer]

http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/Man-held-over-Gillian-Merrick.4929439.jp

Man held over Gillian Merrick disappearance is released

29 January 2009
By ET Staff

Friday 10am: Police say a man has been released on bail in connection with the disapearance of Gillian Merrick.
Detectives searching for Gillian Merrick arrested the man on Wednesday and took him to Wellingborough police station for questioning, before releasing him on bail on Thursday afternoon.

Officers have not confirmed the identity of the man but said his arrest was a routine matter, adding that the investigation was still a missing person inquiry.

Mrs Merrick (45), a mother of two teenagers, has not been seen since 11pm on New Year's Day when she disappeared from her home in Sutton Road, Oundle.

News of the arrest came in the week that her husband, Nick (49), broke down in front of millions of GMTV viewers as he and their two children, Tom (15) and Charlotte (14), made an emotional plea for her safe return.

He said: "This doesn't happen to us. We're just a normal family, just going through life, enjoying it." And he added: "Gillian is the glue that holds us together – and we're hurting so much."

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Cox, who is leading the hunt for Mrs Merrick, last night confirmed an arrest had been made in connection with the investigation.

He said: "We can confirm that a 49-year-old man has been arrested as part of the investigation into the disappearance of Gillian Merrick, of Oundle.

"During an investigation of this kind, it is not unusual to make such an arrest which safeguards an individual's rights while they are being questioned by police.

"I must stress that this remains a missing person investigation and we are still keen to hear from anyone with information about where Gillian might be."

Speaking two weeks ago as police launched a search of the family home, Mr Merrick said the family fully supported and appreciated the efforts being made by the police to find his wife.

At the time, DCI Cox said: "We are continuing to work closely in co-operation with the Merrick family and share their concern to find out where Gillian has gone as soon as possible."

It followed almost two weeks of extensive searches in and around her home town, which has included a search of nearby waterways by divers and a night-time operation on the A605 Oundle Road to talk to motorists who may have used the road at the time of Mrs Merrick's disappearance.

Gillian Merrick is 5ft 6ins tall, slim and has shoulder length brown hair.

Anyone who knows where Mrs Merrick may be should call police on 08453 700700.

The full article contains 435 words and appears in Peterborough ET newspaper.

[annalyzer]

http://www.fenlandcitizen.co.uk/latest-east-midlands-news/Man-arrested-over-missing-mother.4931500.jp

Man arrested over missing mother

Published Date: 30 January 2009

Police investigating the disappearance of a Northamptonshire mother of two have confirmed they have arrested a man.
The 49-year-old man was taken to a local police station on Wednesday to be questioned about missing Gillian Merrick before his release on police bail.

Mrs Merrick, 45, of Oundle, has not been seen since 11pm on New Year's Day.

Northants Detective Chief Inspector Andy Cox said: "I can confirm that a 49-year-old man was arrested as part of the investigation into the disappearance of Gillian Merrick.

"He has since been released on police bail pending further inquiries. During an investigation of this kind it is not unusual to make such an arrest, which safeguards an individual's rights while they are being questioned by police.

"I must stress that this remains a missing person investigation and we are still keen to hear from anyone with information about where Gillian may be or why she may have gone missing."

Mrs Merrick's husband, Nick, 49, spoke earlier this month of how much he and the couple's two teenage children, Charlotte and Tom, missed her.

He said: "She is the glue that holds us together and brings light to the day."

In a personal message to her, he added: "Gillian, please don't worry about the current publicity in the media and elsewhere. Our concern is your welfare and how we can build to be an even stronger family than before. All my love, Nick."

Anyone with information about Mrs Merrick's whereabouts is asked to contact the inquiry room on 08453 700 700.

[sarahhod]

Man bailed in hunt for missing wife Gillian Merrick


A husband arrested over the disappearance of his wife last night insisted: "I have no idea where she is."
Dad-of-two Nick Merrick was questioned by detectives after an 11-day search the family home.
Wife Gillian, 45, vanished after the family went to bed at 11pm on January 1.
Engineer Mr Merrick, 49, who was released on police bail, told the Mirror last night: "I remain hopeful that Gillian will rejoin the family who miss her desperately.
"I do not have any idea where Gillian is."
Despite a massive investigation and forensic search of the home in Oundle, Northants, there is still no clue as to what happened to admin worker Mrs Merrick.


http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/01/31/man-bailed-in-hunt-for-missing-wife-gillian-merrick-115875-21085106/

[sarahhod]

Mother-of-two missing for a month


A Northamptonshire mother-of-two who disappeared from her family home has now been missing for a month.
Gillian Merrick, 45, was last seen at the property in Sutton Road, Oundle, late on New Year's Day.
Police spent about 10 days searching the family home, and earlier in the week arrested a 49-year-old man in connection with her disappearance.
The man has since been released on bail, and the police stressed it was still a missing person investigation.
Searches have been carried out in and around Oundle by police and volunteers, including some of Mrs Merrick's colleagues.
Divers have searched waterways in the area and the police helicopter has been used in the search, but no trace of Mrs Merrick has been found.
The search has also extended to East Sussex, where the family used to live.
Mrs Merrick is 5ft 6in tall (1.67m) with straight brown collar-length hair.
Anyone who knows where she may be is asked to call Northamptonshire Police.



http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/northamptonshire/7862482.stm

[sarahhod]

Girl makes poetic plea to her missing mother

Charlotte Merrick wanted to do something — anything — to help find her mother.

By Patrick Sawer
Last Updated: 8:55PM GMT 31 Jan 2009

The local police force had done all that was practical to try to trace Gillian Merrick after she disappeared from the family home in Oundle, Northants, a month ago.
The only action the 14-year-old could now think of was to write a poem to let her mother know that all she, her father Nick, and her older brother, Tom, wanted was to have Gillian safely back.
“To my lovely Mum,” she wrote. “It’s home I wish you’ll come/I miss you so and want you to know/every time that I wake I feel my heart break”.
As the teenager sat down on Monday evening to write her emotional verses, little did she know that days later she would be faced with the possibility of losing her father too.
Nick Merrick was arrested on Thursday and interviewed for several hours by Northamptonshire police before being released on bail. He is expected to be questioned further at a later date.
His arrest came two days after he gave an interview to The Sunday Telegraph in which he pleaded for the return of his wife and protested his innocence of any involvement in her disappearance.
“We’ve got nothing to hide,” said Mr Merrick. “I appreciate the finger of suspicion is pointing against me. That’s human nature and police procedure, but it doesn’t worry me at all. Anything that can help them find Gill is fine with me.”
Police have grown increasingly concerned for Mrs Merrick’s welfare since she disappeared in the early hours of Jan 2.
In the days that followed, the police, backed by helicopters, search dogs and local volunteers, scoured the countryside and fields near the family’s semi-detached home on the outskirts of the market town. The search included the house, and for 10 days forensics officers pored over furnishings and possessions for any clues to the whereabouts of Mrs Merrick. Computers were examined, finances scrutinised, and every phone number in Mrs Merrick’s address book contacted.
It emerged that Mrs Merrick’s passport was missing, as was Charlotte’s.
Although Mr Merrick believes he may have simply mislaid them, police issued an all-ports alert. But so far there have been no confirmed sighting of his wife.
Mrs Merrick’s disappearance has seen her miss out on two glowing school reports for Charlotte and Tom, who have been left bereft by her absence. Neither was she there to encourage Tom when he recently sat a GCSE exam.
Mr Merrick told police that he last saw his wife when the couple went to bed at 11pm on New Year’s Day. At around 1am she turned to him and whispered: “I do love you Nicky.”
By the next morning she had gone.
Mr Merrick said that at first he thought she was out on a walk. She was recovering from back surgery and, although it had initially “got her down”, she was determined to maintain her fitness.
But after driving around her regular routes in the hope of spotting her, Mr Merrick said he became increasingly worried. At 8.30am he alerted the police.
Mr Merrick, 49, is at a loss to explain what might have happened. He said she had been planning family events up until the moment she disappeared: booking tickets to see Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera in the West End, ordering shopping online and debating whether their summer holiday should be in Cornwall or the Scilly Isles.
He said: “It’s a complete mystery. Life was carrying on as normal, then suddenly it stopped. When she first disappeared we had no idea where she’d gone and we have no idea now. Only Gill can say what’s happened.”
Tom and Charlotte were born in Bahrain, shortly after the Merricks moved there from Eastbourne for work. Five years later the family returned to England, first to East Sussex, then two years ago to Northamptonshire, where they both worked for a contractor for Anglia Water, Mr Merrick as an engineer, and Mrs Merrick as an administrative supervisor.
“We are just a normal family going about our normal business,” said Mr Merrick.
“We’ve got two great children who are Gill’s pride and joy. We do everything as a family; we even took the children on our 20th wedding anniversary break to Barcelona.”
He admitted to there being private moments when the fear that he might never see his wife again became overwhelming. “Four days after she went missing, the internet supermarket order we’d put in together arrived,” he said. “Seeing her favourite cheesecake really set me off. That was very difficult.
“Every time the phone rings there’s that hope that it’s Gill who is calling.”
Pointing to a group photo taken of the family during a walk just hours before his wife vanished, Mr Merrick said: “You look at that picture and everything is fine and rosy. Then 12 hours later your life just falls apart.”
The concluding words of Charlotte’s poem, provided by her father, read: “It’s you that Dad misses/with your hugs and your kisses/Tom and I feel so sad/but only you can make us glad/So our family’s simple plea/is it’s you we want to see./Please come home Mum.”
“It was something she [Charlotte] really wanted to do,” said Mr Merrick.



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/4412051/Girl-makes-poetic-plea-to-her-missing-mother.html

[sarahhod]

Hunt for missing woman continues

Published Date: 31 January 2009
By Nick Reinis
POLICE are today continuing to investigate the disappearance of a mum who has been missing from her Oundle home for almost a month.
Although land searches for 45-year-old Gillian Merrick have ended, detectives say they are following other lines of inquiry.

Mrs Merrick, wife to Nick (49) and mother to Tom (15) and Charlotte (14), has not been seen since 11pm on New Year’s Day.

Yesterday, worried neighbours described Mrs Merrick, of Sutton Road, as a quiet woman who, along with the rest of her family, tended to keep herself to herself.

Til Dhadra, who lives a few doors away in Ashton Road, said: “It was such a shock when we first heard about her going missing and, although we haven’t been involved in the searches, we’ve been keeping an eye out around the town.

“I often saw her about and always said hello, although she never really spoke back.”

Another neighbour in Ashton Road, who did not want to be named, said: “My thoughts are with the children.

“I’ve heard that she used to like walking her dogs, but I walk my dog all around the town and I can’t say I’ve ever seen her.

“Neighbours in the street have, of course, talked about her going missing and we’ve all said we didn’t know her or see her about.”

Mr Merrick works as an engineer at Black and Veatch, a contractor for Anglian Water in Peterborough, where his wife is employed as an administrator.

The couple’s concerned work colleagues at the Thorpe Wood based firm joined searches for her in the days after her disappearance.

Communications manager at Black and Veatch Malcolm Hallsworth said: “Our thoughts are with Nick and his family and we’re hoping and praying for Gillian’s safe return.

“We will do all we can to support the police and if we were asked to help with another search we certainly would.”

At the time of her disappearance, Gillian was believed to have been wearing a beige coloured jacket, red scarf and gloves. She is about 5ft 6ins tall, of slim build, fair complexion, with collar length brown hair.

Family, friends and anyone interested in helping the search for Mrs Merrick have taken to the internet as a way of widening their field for the missing mum.

Two groups have appeared on popular social networking site Facebook, with one – Find Gillian Merrick – having had more than 720 members join up.

Another one – Gillian Merrick missing from Oundle on 2nd January – has seen more than 520 join up, with both groups receiving many replies.

nA 49-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday and taken to Wellingborough police station before being released on police bail the following day.

Police have still not confirmed the identity of the man but said his arrest was a routine matter and added that the investigation was still a missing person inquiry.

http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/Hunt-for-missing-woman-continues.4932925.jp

[annalyzer]

http://www.hastingsobserver.co.uk/eastbourne-news/Former-Eastbourne-woman-missing.4953302.jp

Former Eastbourne woman missing

Published Date: 05 February 2009

A 45-YEAR-OLD mother who used to live in Eastbourne has been missing since New Year's Day.

Gillian Merrick worked as an administrator in Eastbourne and she met her husband Nick while he was working as an engineer.

The couple married in Eastbourne in April 1988 before moving to the Middle East around 15 years ago.

Gillian, Nick and their two children now live in Oundle, Northamptonshire but Gillian went missing on New Year's Day.

Searches are currently continuing at the Merrick family home with the full co-operation of the family.

Police say they are becoming ever more concerned for her welfare."
Anyone with information should phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

[Amusedtdth]

I'm confused...did they arrest him because they suspect him or as they stated in previous article to "safeguard his rights". Sounds to me like there is a difference.

[annalyzer]

http://www.stamfordmercury.co.uk/news/Experts-rule-out-Gillian-Merrick.4963472.jp

Experts rule out Gillian Merrick sighting

http://editorial.jpress.co.uk/web/Upload/STAM//TH1_102200931GILLIA~1.jpg
Gillian Merrick

Published Date: 10 February 2009

FACIAL recognition experts have dashed hopes that missing mum Gillian Merrick may have been spotted alive two weeks after her disappearance.
A British Transport Police officer from Peterborough was convinced he had encountered the 45-year-old at King's Cross railway station in London, having seen images released by her husband, Nick, in The Evening Telegraph.

CCTV pictures from the station showed a middle-aged woman bearing a striking resemblance to Mrs Merrick preparing to board an underground train on the afternoon of Tuesday, January 13 – less than a fortnight after she went missing from her home in Sutton Road, Oundle, on New Year's Day.

But hopes that the sighting could prove the mother of two was alive and well have been dismissed by experts at Aurora Computer Services, the company which provides face recognition software to Northamptonshire police.

(more at link)

[sarahhod]

Man on roundabout may have seen missing mum

Published Date: 17 February 2009
By Asha Mehta

POLICE officers searching for missing mum Gillian Merrick today appealed for a man seen on the middle of a roundabout on the night she vanished to come forward.
Mother-of-two Gillian (45), of South Road, Oundle, disappeared from her home on the evening of New Year's Day.

Police have information to suggest that a man was spotted on the A605 Oundle/Ashton roundabout at about 2.30am on Friday, January 2.

Police would like the possible eyewitness to come forward so that they can find out what, if anything, he saw and assess whether he can help the police with their inquiries.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Cox said: "I would like to appeal to this man to contact us a soon as he possibly can.

"He can contact me, in confidence, or he can get in touch through Crimestoppers.

"We need to establish what, if anything, he saw that morning and assess whether that could help us to locate Gillian.

"Meanwhile, we will continue to work hard to make sure we conduct this missing person's inquiry in a manner that is both complete and thorough."

A 49-year-old man remains on police bail in connection with the investigation.

In the days following her disappearance, officers conducted ground searches in and around the Oundle area and Spartan Rescue searched nearby waterways.

Colleagues of Mrs Merrick, at Black and Veatch in Thorpe Wood, Peterborough, also got involved in the operation by leaving their desks and handing out leaflets and posters.

There was also a tearful television appeal, which saw her husband Nick (49) and children Tom (15) and Charlotte (14) pleading with Mrs Merrick to get in touch.

Northamptonshire police also confirmed earlier this month that they had drafted in Interpol to help in the hunt.

However, they are concentrating their efforts locally.

Gillian Merrick is 5ft 6ins tall with straight brown collar length hair.

She is thought to have been wearing a beige jacket, red scarf and red gloves.

Anyone with information is asked to call Northamptonshire police on 08453 700700.

http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/Man-on-roundabout-may-have.4985696.jp

[Sioux_Girl]

Ouch this was my local area before i moved up North. I lived in Peterborough for several years which is just a few minutes by car from Oundle and even though I live up north now I still go to that area for the weekend each month.

Regarding waterways - firstly you have the Nene that goes through a lot of that area and also Ferry Meadows which has a lot of water and a big park. There are also fishing lakes there and old clay pits and ofc many many fields. Its totally open country once you get out of Peterborough.

[sarahhod]

Ouch this was my local area before i moved up North. I lived in Peterborough for several years which is just a few minutes by car from Oundle and even though I live up north now I still go to that area for the weekend each month.

Regarding waterways - firstly you have the Nene that goes through a lot of that area and also Ferry Meadows which has a lot of water and a big park. There are also fishing lakes there and old clay pits and ofc many many fields. Its totally open country once you get out of Peterborough.

LOL Sioux_Girl....Me too. I lived near Huntingdon for about 15 years and my family are still all there and I also go to visit this area regularly. Been to Oundle and Peterborough many many times.

[nanabillie]

I was hoping for good news.

[sarahhod]

Potential witness in hunt for missing mum
http://editorial.jpress.co.uk/web/images/5013572//TH1_ETP-2502-02-2502_090418.jpg
SEARCH: Gillian Merrick.
Published Date: 25 February 2009

By Tara Dundon

A POTENTIAL witness in the disappearance of missing mum Gillian Merrick has come forward.
Just a week ago, police officers issued an urgent appeal for the man, who was seen on the middle of a roundabout on the night she vanished from her Oundle home, to get in touch.

A spokesman from Northamptonshire police today confirmed that the man, who was spotted on the A605 Oundle/Ashton roundabout at about 2.30am on Friday, January 2, had contacted police after recognising the description of himself.

Mrs Merrick, of Sutton Road, Oundle, was last seen at 11pm on New Year's Day.

It is now understood that the man, who could be a key witness into the disappearance of the mother of two, will tell police what, if anything, he saw and it will be assessed whether or not he can help the police with their inquiries.

A 49-year-old man remains on police bail in connection with the investigation.

In the days following her disappearance, officers conducted ground searches in and around the Oundle area, and Spartan Rescue searched nearby waterways.

Mrs Merrick, who was employed by Peterborough firm Black and Veatch, is 5ft 6ins tall with straight, brown, collar-length hair. Monday was her 46th birthday.

She is thought to have been wearing a beige jacket, red scarf and red gloves.

Anyone with information should call Northamptonshire police on 08453 700700.

http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/Potential-witness-in-hunt-for.5013572.jp

[nanabillie]

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/roundabouts/

What is a roundabout?


http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/NR/rdonlyres/6EDB3ADE-0378-4A18-8D5C-D5DA658BD576/0/SR203_Novelty_Oct26_03.jpg


A roundabout is a circular intersection where traffic flows around a center island. Roundabouts are safe, efficient and less costly. Since vehicles entering the roundabout are required to yield to traffic in the circle, more vehicles can move through the intersection with less delay. The unique one-way design of roundabouts also accommodates the turning radius of large vehicles, like semi-trucks and buses.



This is just for anyone that may not know what a Roundabout is.

[Sioux_Girl]

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/roundabouts/

What is a roundabout?


http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/NR/rdonlyres/6EDB3ADE-0378-4A18-8D5C-D5DA658BD576/0/SR203_Novelty_Oct26_03.jpg


A roundabout is a circular intersection where traffic flows around a center island. Roundabouts are safe, efficient and less costly. Since vehicles entering the roundabout are required to yield to traffic in the circle, more vehicles can move through the intersection with less delay. The unique one-way design of roundabouts also accommodates the turning radius of large vehicles, like semi-trucks and buses.



This is just for anyone that may not know what a Roundabout is.


Ew I know a lot of roundabouts that arent safe at all lol - there downright dangerous in fact

[sarahhod]

Woman's body found in river

Police believe it may be missing Oundle mum

http://editorial.jpress.co.uk/web/Upload/PET//TH1_133200939Gillian%20Merrick%20online.jpg


Published Date: 13 March 2009
By ET Staff
DETECTIVES believe the body of a woman found in the River Nene could be that of missing Oundle mother Gillian Merrick.
Police were called to the scene in Tansor, about three miles from her family home in Oundle, on Friday afternoon.

A police spokesman could not confirm whether the body was Mrs Merrick, but said that it was a strong possibility.

Her husband Nick and two children Tom, 15 and Charlotte, 14, have been told.

Mrs Merrick, 45, disappeared from her home in the early hours of January 2.

Following her disappearance police carried out weeks of extensive searches in and around her home town, which included a search of nearby waterways by divers and a night-time operation on the A605 Oundle Road to talk to motorists who may have used the road at the time of Mrs Merrick's disappearance.

Staff at a Peterborough firm, where Mrs Merrick and her husband worked, were given time off work to join the search.

Colleagues at the Peterborough company abandoned their desks and donned fluorescent jackets to join the growing search operation.

As police divers searched rivers and lakes, a small army of volunteers, including members of Mrs Merrick's family, scoured fields, barns and outhouses for any sign of her.

Desperate to help, colleagues from Black and Veatch, a company based at Thorpe Wood, were allowed time off to join the effort.

They visited homes across Oundle with leaflets and photographs of the mum of two in the hope of jogging people's memories in case they might have seen her since she went missing in the early hours of January 2.

http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/Woman39s-body-found-in-river.5072111.jp

[Sioux_Girl]

Woman's body found in river

Police believe it may be missing Oundle mum

http://editorial.jpress.co.uk/web/Upload/PET//TH1_133200939Gillian%20Merrick%20online.jpg


Published Date: 13 March 2009
By ET Staff
DETECTIVES believe the body of a woman found in the River Nene could be that of missing Oundle mother Gillian Merrick.
Police were called to the scene in Tansor, about three miles from her family home in Oundle, on Friday afternoon.

A police spokesman could not confirm whether the body was Mrs Merrick, but said that it was a strong possibility.

Her husband Nick and two children Tom, 15 and Charlotte, 14, have been told.

Mrs Merrick, 45, disappeared from her home in the early hours of January 2.

Following her disappearance police carried out weeks of extensive searches in and around her home town, which included a search of nearby waterways by divers and a night-time operation on the A605 Oundle Road to talk to motorists who may have used the road at the time of Mrs Merrick's disappearance.

Staff at a Peterborough firm, where Mrs Merrick and her husband worked, were given time off work to join the search.

Colleagues at the Peterborough company abandoned their desks and donned fluorescent jackets to join the growing search operation.

As police divers searched rivers and lakes, a small army of volunteers, including members of Mrs Merrick's family, scoured fields, barns and outhouses for any sign of her.

Desperate to help, colleagues from Black and Veatch, a company based at Thorpe Wood, were allowed time off to join the effort.

They visited homes across Oundle with leaflets and photographs of the mum of two in the hope of jogging people's memories in case they might have seen her since she went missing in the early hours of January 2.

http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/Woman39s-body-found-in-river.5072111.jp


Very sad news i just read this :(

Tansor is where I go with my husband when he goes fishing :(

[sarahhod]

Post-mortem due on river body


A post-mortem examination will be carried out on a woman's body found in a river which police think is likely to be that of a mother who went missing from her home more than two months ago.
Police believe the body they found on Thursday night is the body of Gillian Merrick, 45, who has not been seen since she vanished from her home in Oundle, Northamptonshire, on New Year's Day.
The woman's body was found in the River Nene at Tansor, eight miles north of Mrs Merrick's home town.
A post-mortem is due to take place but Northamptonshire Police said it could be some time before the body is formally identified as the mother-of-two.
A spokeswoman for the force said: "Whilst the body has only recently been recovered, and identification procedures have not even begun, investigators believe there is a strong possibility that this could be the body of Gillian Merrick."
The spokeswoman said Mrs Merrick's family had been informed of the discovery.
Following her disappearance, Mrs Merrick's husband Nick spoke about how much he and their teenage children, Tom and Charlotte, missed her.
In one message, the 49-year-old said: "She is the glue that holds us together and brings light to the day."
A 49-year-old man was arrested after Mrs Merrick's disappearance before being released without charge.


http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5iy-zjheWbQVd5QvHbZ2neA3ccprQ

[sarahhod]

Very sad news i just read this :(

Tansor is where I go with my husband when he goes fishing :(


Yes, very sad news Sioux_Girl. I know this area well also.

Don't think her hubby had anything to do with it, but time will tell I guess..

[sarahhod]

Oundle family in torment over missing mum

http://editorial.jpress.co.uk/web/images/5072236//TH1_NET-1403-02-1303_203812.jpg
Gillian Merrick’s husband Nick with their children Tom, 15, and Charlotte, 14


14 March 2009
By David Jackson (david.jackson@northantsnews.co.uk)

Almost as soon as she went missing on January 2, those closest to Gillian Merrick knew something was seriously wrong.
Her husband Nick said her disappearance was out of character and made an emotional plea for help to find his 45-year-old wife.

The couple, of Sutton Road, Oundle, went to bed together but Mrs Merrick had gone when her husband woke up the following morning.

The day after she was reported missing searches took place in Barnwell Country Park, a nearby school and along the A605 with specially-trained search dogs from Wales joining in the hunt.

On January 5, 50 police officers and members of the public joined the search for her.

Police brought in a helicopter and sniffer dogs, conducted door-to-door inquiries and searched nearby parkland and countryside to find the mother-of-two.

Friends and relatives joined the search and divers from Spartan Rescue searched the waterways near Oundle's Ashton Mill.

Speaking shortly after his wife went missing, Mr Merrick said: "The last thing she said to me was that she loved me.

"I told her I loved her too and that was the last time we saw each other."

Speaking shortly after her disappearance Insp Gary Williams, from Northamptonshire Police, said: "I cannot stress enough that the longer that Gillian is missing, the more concerned we are for her welfare.

"At the moment, Gillian going missing is completely out of character."

Forensic offices searched the Merrick's home on Tuesday, January 13.

Det Chief Insp Andy Cox said: "We are searching her home to be sure we have not overlooked anything that could help us find her.

"This will be a very difficult time for the Merrick family and we are being as sensitive to them during this stage of the investigation as we possibly can."

http://www.northantset.co.uk/news/Oundle-family-in-torment-over.5072236.jp

[Claycat]

Oh No! This is so sad! :(

[sarahhod]

Gillian Merrick death not suspicious

Published Date: 14 March 2009


The death of a woman whose body was pulled from a river yesterday was not suspicious, police have said.
Officers believe the body was that of missing mum Gillian Merrick.

A post-mortem has been carried out today and while it was unable to ascertain the cause of death, it ruled out suspicious circumstances.

Formal identification of the body is expected to take place during the middle of next week at the earliest.

Police were called to Tansor, about three miles from Mrs Merrick's family home in Oundle, on Friday afternoon.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Cox said: "I can now say that I believe this body to be Gillian's and my officers have been liaising closely with her family to keep them informed and to offer them our support at this very difficult time.

"I am able to confirm that we are not treating this death as suspicious and clearly I want to be able to prove beyond doubt that this is Gillian as quickly as possible."

Further toxicology test will be carried out on the body this week, but it has been predicted that this may take some time.

After Mrs Merrick, 45, disappeared from her home in the early hours of January 2, her husband Nick and two children Tom, 15 and Charlotte, 14, made emotional appeals for information on her whereabouts.

http://www.northantset.co.uk/news/Gillian-Merrick-death-not-suspicious.5072881.jp

[sarahhod]

Yes very sad claycat.:frown:

[sarahhod]

Body is missing mother police say


http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/45345000/jpg/_45345974_gillian.jpg
More tests to be carried out on body believed to be Gillian Merrick


The body of a woman found in a river in Northamptonshire is believed to be a woman missing from her home since the early hours of 2 January.
Police said the body found in the River Nene at Tansor is mother-of-two Gillian Merrick, 45, missing from her Oundle home since 2 January.
A post-mortem examination failed to reveal a cause of death but established it was not suspicious, police said.
Further tests are to be carried out but results are not expected for some time.
"Toxicology tests are to be carried out to try and ascertain how the woman died," the police spokeswoman said.
The body has not yet been formally identified and this is not likely to happen until the middle of next week.
Widespread search
Investigators are liaising with the Merrick family and offering support.
Det Ch Insp Andy Cox, leading the investigation, said: "I believe the body to be Gillian Merrick and I can confirm that the circumstances are not suspicious.
"I now want to prove beyond doubt that it is Gillian as quickly as possible."
After her disappearance, police spent about 10 days searching the Merrick family home.
Searches were carried out in and around Oundle by police and volunteers and divers searched waterways in the area.
The search was also extended to East Sussex, where the family had lived previously.
A 49-year-old man was arrested in January in connection with the investigation but was later released without charge.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/northamptonshire/7943812.stm

[annalyzer]

This is the first I heard the news. Thanks for the updates Sarah. So she supposedly got up in the middle of the night and went and jumped in a river?

[Sioux_Girl]

This is the first I heard the news. Thanks for the updates Sarah. So she supposedly got up in the middle of the night and went and jumped in a river?

Umm I was just thinking that also :frown:

I suppose if she was drunk she could have just fell in there and not been able to get out?

Who was it she supposedly told that she really loved her husband?

This all seems kinda weird IMO. Yes im sure it affects different ways if they want to commit suicide...but jumping in the Nene in the middle of winter sure isnt one i would pick :(

[lost indie]

Umm I was just thinking that also :frown:

I suppose if she was drunk she could have just fell in there and not been able to get out?

Who was it she supposedly told that she really loved her husband?

This all seems kinda weird IMO. Yes im sure it affects different ways if they want to commit suicide...but jumping in the Nene in the middle of winter sure isnt one i would pick :(

It's possible she was sleepwalking. I sleepwalk so I know what I am talking about here....

ANY kind of stress can bring it on. One does the oddest most random things. Sometimes it's humorous (to others) and other times it's dangerous.
When we moved, I'd constantly put fruit and veggies in the silverware drawer. I've also gone out in the front yard in the middle of the night and taken off all my clothes. I often fall and injure myself while sleepwalking.

They seem like such a sweet family....my heart goes out to them....

[Claycat]

This is so sad! I have been a sleepwalker, too, but I can't imagine sleepwalking for three miles. I guess it could happen.

Lost Indie, I've done some pretty weird things, too. I sprayed my neck with pepper spray, as if it were cologne, one night. I have stacked dishes, played records, made chocolate milk and drank it.

[Sioux_Girl]

Well they found her at Tansor 3 miles away...so it doesnt mean she walked that far as i guess she would have drifted down the river in the time she was missing.

Personally i find it hard to believe she ended up in there by sleep walking though. Something just seems weird about it all to me.

[sarahhod]

We're feeling totally numb, say Gillian Merrick's family


By Bernie Goodjohn (bernie.goodjohn@northantsnews.co.uk)
Kettering reporter

Gillian Merrick's husband has described how his family feels totally numb following the discovery of her body in the River Nene.
Police pulled the 45-year-old mum-of-two's body from the river on Friday, just three miles north of their home in Oundle. The discovery has left the town in shock.

Police are now carrying out tests on the body but have said there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.

At the weekend Mr Merrick told the Evening Telegraph his family was too shocked to give a full interview. He said: "We are just so numb."

A post-mortem examination was carried out on the body over the weekend but the cause of death has not yet been determined.

Further tests, including a toxicology examination, will be carried out and formal identification is expected to take place by the middle of next week at the earliest.

Det Ch Inspector Andy Cox, who led the hunt for Mrs Merrick, said: "I can now say that I believe this body to be Gillian's.

"My officers have been liaising closely with her family to keep them informed and to offer them our support at this very difficult time.

"I am able to confirm that we are not treating this death as suspicious and clearly I want to be able to prove beyond doubt that this is Gillian as quickly as possible."

Brian Pitts, 67, and Steve Nelson, 45, were fishing on the River Nene on Friday afternoon when the body was found.

Mr Pitts said: "It was about 2pm when people from the Environment Agency were going up and down the river on a boat.

"They stopped and phoned someone – they then left and a few minutes later came back with police.

"The police brought a boat and there were plenty of cars in the area. A couple of police divers arrived, and forensic officers were taking photos.

"They put the body in a body bag and took it into a tent they had set up at about 5.30pm.

"You don't expect that when you sit down for a day's fishing."

Mrs Merrick disappeared from the family home in Sutton Road, Oundle, in the early hours of January 2.

http://www.northantset.co.uk/news/Were-feeling-totally-numb-say.5073747.jp

[sarahhod]

Town in shock as Gillian found dead


http://editorial.jpress.co.uk/web/Upload/KET//TH1_163200989GM0314104%282%29.jpg
Gillian Merrick's body was found in the River Nene at Tansor

"Everybody knows about it. I think it was the general topic of conversation because it was such a sad thing"
A neighbour of the Merricks


Published Date:
16 March 2009
By Bernie Goodjohn (bernie.goodjohn@northantsnews.co.uk)
Kettering reporter


Oundle was in a state of shock over the weekend after the body of Gillian Merrick was found in the River Nene at Tansor.
Shoppers in the street talked about the discovery which was revealed late on Friday night.

For 11 weeks the disappearance of 45-year-old Mrs Merrick had baffled police and those who had known her.

Scores of people, including friends and work colleagues had helped in the early days of the search for the mother-of-two, combing nearby woods and fields.

On Friday afternoon their worst fears were confirmed when a group of people working on the river spotted a woman's body.

A neighbour of the Merricks, who lives in Sutton Close, Oundle, said: "I feel so sorry for the children but I am relieved her body has been found so that they can deal with it.

"Everybody knows about it. I think it was the general topic of conversation because it was such a sad thing."

Another neighbour, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "We all hoped that she would be found alive. I'm shocked by the news, very shocked.
"She was quite young and to die like that, it's dreadful."

Andrew Peters, from Peterborough, who was in Oundle on Saturday, told how he was walking on the outskirts of Warmington on January 2 when he was stopped by Nick Merrick.

Mr Peters said: "We did a walk the day she went missing and her husband was looking for her.

"He saw us walking along the road and asked 'have you seen my wife?'

He was very distressed then. I have been following the story since."
Chris Cant, joint owner of Oundle News, said people in the town had been closely following the story of Mrs Merrick's disappearance.

He said: "Everybody's very interested in the story and everyone has been talking about it when they come into the shop."

Schoolboy Ed Noxell, who is in the same class as the Merrick's son Tom, 15, said: "It is not something you expect to happen in Oundle and on my doorstep."

Police launched a massive search for Mrs Merrick after she went missing in the early hours of January 2.


Divers searched the waterways near Oundle's Ashton Mills, a few miles from where the body was eventually found.

http://www.northantset.co.uk/news/Town-in-shock-as-Gillian.5074984.jp

[Claycat]

Well they found her at Tansor 3 miles away...so it doesnt mean she walked that far as i guess she would have drifted down the river in the time she was missing.

Personally i find it hard to believe she ended up in there by sleep walking though. Something just seems weird about it all to me.

It seems weird to me, too!

[Sioux_Girl]

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Gillian-Merrick-Body-Found-In-River-Is-Mother-Who-Disappeared-At-The-Start-Of-The-Year-In-Northants/Article/200903315243444?lpos=UK_News_First_UK_News_Article _Teaser_Region_2&lid=ARTICLE_15243444_Gillian_Merrick%3A_Body_Found _In_River_Is_Mother_Who_Disappeared_At_The_Start_O f_The_Year_In_Northants