Detectives continue search for missing Alena six weeks after her disappearance

Alena Grlakova (38), a Slovakian Roma, has not been seen since Boxing Day evening, shortly after she left The Travellers' Inn pub on Broad Street, Parkgate.

Police officers and her family are said to be increasingly concerned for her welfare and the fact she had not made contact with her loved ones.

Searches over the next few days will focus on Broad Street and the surrounding areas as officers continue to piece together Ms Grlakova's movements on Boxing Day.

Ms Grlakova was last seen with an unknown man on Scrooby Lane at around 7.15pm on December 26.

He was described as around 5ft 7ins to 5ft 9ins tall, of a stocky, plump build, and between 30 to 50-years-old. He walked past her and wished her a Merry Christmas. The man is said to have been wearing a dark coat and possibly a hat.

South Yorkshire Police said its investigative team had received numerous reports of sightings and were now focusing on a possible sighting on Taylors Lane later on Boxing Day evening.

Supt Iain Chorlton, who is leading the search, said: "It's extremely out of character for Alena to not contact her family and as today marks six weeks since she was last seen, I’d like to stress that my concerns are still there.

"She has missed her brother’s birthday during this time, and hasn’t contacted her family on a regular basis like she usually would.

"They are all extremely concerned and we need members of the public to come forward with information so that we can find Alena."

Supt Chorlton said officers were investigating a potential sighting of Ms Grlakova near to the Fitzwilliam Arms on Taylors Lane, Parkgate, on Boxing Day evening at around 8pm.

“As we work to confirm this sighting, we are carrying out a thorough search of the area, including outbuildings and disused buildings," he said.

"I’d like to ask anyone who lives in that area to do the same and check any that they own.

"We are looking for signs that Alena was there."

Officers looking Ms Grlakova have stepped up the search for her last week and have carried out detailed searches in the Parkgate area, close to where she was last seen.

Police divers worked in freezing conditions last week to search the canal behind Parkgate Retail Park and officers have also been searching open land in the area.

Anyone who has information which could help the investigation should contact South Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 450 of January 15, 2019, or call the incident room on 01709 443540.

You can also speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.