THE SEARCH of a stretch of river for a missing woman had to be called off  after a specialist police marine unit developed mechanical problems with its boat - but officers are continuing to extend their hunt around a North-East town .

Pamela Jackson, 55, has not been seen since Saturday March 2, when she spoke to her son Joe at their home in The Crescent, Chester-le-Street, County Durham.

Durham Police, who have released a new photograph of Ms Jackson, said they will continue to widen their dragnet at the weekend, with the help of volunteers from the Teesdale and Weardale Search and Rescue Team . Officers of Northumbria Police Marine Unit launcheda  rigid inflatable boat equipped with sophisticated sonar equipment on the River Wear, near the Durham County Cricket club’s Riverside ground.

They had intended to comb a five-mile stretch of river up to Fatfield, in Washington, but their engine failed as they scanned the top of the weir at the Riverside Park, shortly after 11am.

Officers tried to restart the engine, but were forced to abandon their vessel before it swept over the weir, soaking the expensive equipment inside.

Police have made extensive inquiries in and around Chester-le-Street, in a bid to find clues to where Ms Jackson, could have gone.

They have also arrested and charged her partner, 50-year-old Adrian Muir, with her murder.

Chief Inspector Elaine Taylor, who is leading the search for Ms Jackson said officers would do their best to get back in the water as soon as they can.

She added: “Pamela has been missing for nearly two weeks now and it is a week since her disappearance has been reported.

“We are making extensive searches around the Chester-le-Street area.Meanwhile, Mr Muir’s barrister, Tony Davis, was due to make a bail application on his behalf at Newcastle Crown Court this morning.

But, prosecutor Kingsley Hyland applied for the hearing to be adjourned as “new evidence has come to light”.

Judge James Goss QC granted the application.

Anyone with information us urged to contact the police on 101.