Police deploy helicopter and drones as search intensifies for missing walker Joanne Jones

Specialist officers, mountain rescue teams, the police helicopter are continuing their search for a walker who has been missing for three days. Joanne Jones, 49, was last seen around 9.45am on Monday morning, October 21, in Vale Gardens, Pontypridd but has not been heard from since. Police issued a CCTV picture on Tuesday.

It is believed she headed onto Graigwen Road in the direction of Llanwonno Forest. CCTV shows her wearing a dark green coat, black rucksack, leggings, and walking boots. Police have said that they are keeping an "open mind" about her disappearance as they work "tirelessly" on the search.

Officers have been searching wooded areas since she was reported missing and mountain rescue teams have joined the searches.

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Chief inspector Matt Rowlands said: “Since Joanne was reported missing to us, we have had officers working tirelessly to try and establish the circumstances around her disappearance and to understand where she went after leaving Vale Gardens.

"Whilst we still have no specific information to suggest where Joanne went after heading onto Graigwen Road in the direction of Llanwonno Forest, officers with specialist search training and equipment have carried out extensive searches for Joanne including searching wooded areas near to where she was last seen. As part of these searches, we have also deployed the National Police Air Service, drones, Mountain Rescue volunteers, specialist search dogs and circulated missing person flyers to local dog walkers and hikers.

"We are keeping an open mind about what has happened to Joanne and are continuing to carry out extensive enquiries."

He also had a warning for anyone planning to go out to search for Joanne, saying: “We appreciate that members of the local community would like to set up volunteer search teams to look for Joanne however there are important points to bear in mind if you plan to go out and look for her. It’s important that, due to the terrain and conditions, you don’t put yourself in danger so please don’t go out alone; tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return; make sure your mobile phone is fully charged and stick to designated pathways and tracks.

“I would reiterate that all sightings be shared with us via one of the below means with the date and time you saw Joanne - if you have a what3words location that would be ideal. This will enable us to highlight where a cluster of sightings have been reported, which we can investigate further."

Adding :“We are also keen to hear from anyone who has dash-cam or doorbell footage in the areas of Graigwen/ Llanwonno/ Perthcelyn/ Ynysybwl from 9.30am on Monday morning until now to come forward.

“I understand how distressing this is for Joanne’s family and friends, and we are grateful for the ongoing support offered by the local community over the past few days.”

If you can assist our efforts to trace Joanne, contact South Wales Police by one of the below means quoting 2400351002. Live chat here, or online here. Or call South Wales Police on 101.