MORE than 80 people have been searching woodlands near Oxford in the hope of finding missing Jackie Gulliford.

Police and volunteers yesterday searched Wytham Woods to the west of the city for the 61-year-old.

The grandmother was last seen leaving her Eynsham home on Tuesday and two sightings were reported to police from that morning.

About 40 Thames Valley Police officers and 40 from Oxfordshire Search and Rescue will continue searching the wood this morning.

Mrs Gulliford, an accounts clerk at Worcester College, Oxford, liked to walk in the woods.

Superintendent Colin Paine said as flood water subsides officers will re-check fields around Eynsham.

Mrs Gulliford’s son James said on Thursday his mother had suffered depression on and off for 20 years.

Supt Colin Paine said: “As time passes I am becoming increasingly concerned for the wellbeing of Jacqueline.

“We have run a substantial operation searching across Eynsham and the surrounding areas to look for her over the past three days without success.

“We have had in excess of 40 officers involved in the search process and have been assisted by a substantial number of search volunteers.

“I am extremely grateful to everyone who has assisted with the search through the poor weather of the last few days.”

Posters have been put up around Eynsham with a description of Mrs Gulliford and pictures of her in the purple coat she was last seen in.

Mrs Gulliford was a voluntary day patient at Headington’s Warneford Hospital and lived with husband Bruce at their Hawthorn Road home.

Supt Paine added: “I would ask that any landowners and farmers around the Eynsham area continue to check their land and outbuildings.

“A family liaison officer has been dedicated to Jacquelline’s family who will keep them updated with any developments.

“I would like to thank everyone who has helped with this search so far.”

Anyone who has any information is asked to call the police on 101.