Police ‘increasingly concerned’ for runner as major search continues

Police are “increasingly concerned” as a major search continues for a young runner who has been missing for four days.

Jenny Hall, 23, was last seen leaving her home in Tow Law, County Durham, just after 3pm on Tuesday.

Her car, a red Ford Focus, was found on Wednesday parked on the B6278, near remote moorland between Eggleston and Stanhope.

Police officers, mountain rescue teams, sniffer dogs and HM Coastguard air support are involved in the search, which has covered 100 miles.

On Friday, the search concentrated on running trails Ms Hall often uses between Eggleston and Hamsterley.

Police say the search continues despite the “challenging weather conditions and terrain”.

Digital intelligence officers have checked Ms Hall’s mobile phone, smartwatch and running apps, but have found no leads.

Chief Inspector Dean Haythornthwaite, of Durham Constabulary, said: “We have become increasingly concerned for Jenny since she was reported missing on Tuesday and have been exploring all lines of inquiry.”

Ms Hall is described as being white, six feet tall with dark brown hair, which may have been tied in a ponytail.

She was last seen wearing a blue John Deere hoodie, dark jogging bottoms, and may have been carrying a green jacket.