POLICE searching for missing grandmother Pamela Jackson have admitted there is little realistic chance she is still alive, and said they are now looking for her body.

Ms Jackson, 55, was last seen just over a month ago at the home she shared with her son, Joe, in The Crescent, in Chester-le-Street, County Durham.

Despite nationwide search, there has been no trace of her since the evening of Saturday, March 2. Her partner, 50-year-old Adrian Muir, has appeared at Newcastle Crown Court charged with her murder.

The officer leading the police investigation, Detective Superintendent Ken Donnelly said today (Thursday, April 4) police had effectively exhausted all possible actions in the hope of finding Ms Jackson alive.

He said: "From the moment Pamela was reported missing we have carried out extensive work both in the Chester-le-Street and the West Yorkshire areas, but I am afraid we are now effectively looking for a body.

"As there have been no sightings of her in the last four weeks and no other evidence she is still alive, we have to acknowledge the reality of the situation.

"There are a number of lines of inquiry still in hand to trace Pamela's whereabouts, and her family are obviously anxious she is found as soon as possible.

"Our efforts are therefore continuing, using all sources of information and technical assistance.

“As soon as the weather improves our search teams will resume their work across the moorlands and other areas in West Yorkshire and in County Durham."

Det Supt Donnelly said he was grateful for the help given by West Yorkshire Police, with whom officers from Durham have been liaising from the start of the investigation.

He added that his team had also sought advice from national experts in forensics and search techniques over the course of the investigation.

He said: "I still have a large team of people working on this case and we will not rest until Pamela is found.

“Her family are being kept up to date with our work and of course as soon as there is any significant development we will let them know."

Originally from Newcastle, Ms Jackson moved to the Chester-le-Street area 12 years ago. She has two other sons, Christopher who lives with his family in Spennymoor, and Andrew, who lives in Consett.

Mr Muir, a drystone waller of Calder Terrace, Halifax, West Yorkshire, has been remanded in custody to appear at Newcastle Crown Court on June 11.

Anyone with information should contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.

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