Body found in search for Mackenzie Crook's 'vulnerable' missing sister-in-law

25 February 2023 , 13:42

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Body found in search for Mackenzie Crook's 'vulnerable' missing sister-in-law

Police searching for missing Laurel Aldridge, the sister-in-law of actor Mackenzie Crook, have found a body.

Sussex Police said: "Sadly the body of a woman has been found in the Tortington Lane area of Arundel.

"At this stage, the family of missing Laurel Aldridge have been informed and we are seeking to confirm the identity of the woman."

Crook had made public appeals to find his wife's 62-year-old elder sister, who was reported missing from her home in Walberton, in the Arundel area of West Sussex, on February 14.

Crook had made public appeals to find his wife's 62-year-old elder sister (PA)

Laurel was reported missing from her home on February 14 (PA)

The British actor, who is known for roles in The Office, Pirates Of The Caribbean and Worzel Gummidge, said his sister-in-law's disappearance had been "agonising" for the family.

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Speaking on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday, Mackenzie said he and the family are “clutching at straws” but remain “determined and driven” to find her.

Mrs Aldridge, 62, went missing from her home in the village of Walberton, near Arundel in West Sussex, and was last seen at Slindon Cricket Club around two-and-a-half miles away.

Missing posters have been put up on lampposts, tree trunks and in windows throughout the village where she was last seen.

Police have now found a body in the search for Laurel (PA)

Mrs Aldridge is described as being around 5ft 4in with grey/blonde highlighted hair. She sometimes wears glasses.

She was last seen wearing a turquoise fleece, a maroon tartan scarf and brown hat. She also had a grey puffer jacket with her which she is likely to have been wearing.

Sussex Police recently appealed to the public for help in looking through dashcam footage on and around the day Laurel went missing.

Detective Sergeant Alan Fenn said earlier this week: "We are continuing to pursue multiple lines of enquiry and would thank any members of the public who have provided information to us so far. We may have information which could place Laurel’s last known location. To be in that location it’s likely Laurel would have crossed a busy road where people would have been driving in the area at the time.

Mackenzie Crook has made public appeals for his missing sister-in-law (ITV)

"I am urging people who were driving in this area or near to this area of Arun to review their dashcam footage to see if there is anyone who matches Laurel’s description.

"We have a dedicated officer who is in contact Laurel’s family and will continue to support them throughout this investigation. Please continue to look out for Laurel and call 101 with non-urgent information and 999 if this information is urgent quoting Operation Accrue."

Information can also be reported to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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