A search for a Leicester woman who police fear went into the River Soar is continuing today (Friday, October 4).

Officers are said to be extremely concerned for her welfare and are appealing for witnesses to help them understand the movements of a woman.

Concerned members of the public contacted the force at 00.41am on Thursday morning (3) after they saw the woman climbing over the gantry of the Gimson Bridge, on Upperton Road.

The woman ran off and was last sighted at the Swan Bridge, where there are concerns she entered the water.

An extensive search and rescue operation is currently underway in the river.

The woman is described as white, with dark hair in a ponytail, aged between 30 and 40 years old.

She was wearing a black hooded puffer jacket, dark blue ripped jeans and had piercing to either her upper lip or her nose. She spoke in broken English, in what is thought to be a Polish accent.

DI Lorna Granville said: “We’re very keen to speak to anyone who many recognise the woman from this description, and anyone who can give any insight into her movements.

“If you are the woman herself, please contact us urgently. We are very concerned for the woman’s welfare and any information you may have might be helpful.”

Contact the force on 101, quoting incident 21 of 3 October. Always call 999 in an emergency.