A huge search for missing mum organised by strangers could today be called off - because conditions along the River Derwent are "dangerous".
The large group already gathered in or heading to Malton, North Yorkshire, may face crushing news that the hunt will be scrapped as more rain overnight has left the riverbank particularly hazardous.
Safety concerns were already rife earlier this week when strangers set off along the River Derwent to conduct their own search for the missing mum, . Police had reportedly told the group to keep at least two metres from the water's edge.
Now, residents say the kind-hearted operation is in jeopardy. Writing on a public group arranged to help support the search for Vicky, one local said: "This area was really bad yesterday so not sure it's safe to do today... I'd be worried for people walking this today after the rain." She referenced to the stretch of the river between Malton and the village of Low Hutton, around four miles south.
Another posted on the same group: "The river is very dangerous when it's receding. There's a slippery bank side." Another resident said: "Looks like we have had some rain overnight, which is going to have made the riverside banks even more slippery... The paths are waterlogged in places."
Specialist divers with have this week , who is .
One of her close friends, Charlotte Cundill, said she "won't give up" in her attempts to find Vicky, who has a daughter with fiancé Matthew Grant Williams. Charlotte posted on the same Facebook group, in which there are around 7,000 members: "Let's get you home beautiful. I won't give up."
The mum, who is originally from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, was last spotted wearing blue jeans, a black Adidas original puffer jacket with white stripes down the sleeves and a grey Jack Wills hooded jumper.
Inspector Martin Dennison, of North Yorkshire Constabulary, said on Thursday: "We are very concerned about Victoria's whereabouts and, like her family and friends, just want to see her safe and well.
"I would urge the public to be cautious if looking for Victoria near the river. Our officers have specialist training and equipment, and they are used to working in various terrains.
"If you do have any information which can help with the search then please call us 101. Any immediate sightings should be reported to 999."
