Waterways searched for missing pensioner

Police divers today began searching waterways for a pensioner missing in Northern Ireland.

Officers on both sides of the border hunting for Attracta Harron, 65, were joined by special rescue units and a Garda air crew.

The retired librarian has not been seen since she left home in Strabane, Co Tyrone on Thursday morning to attend Mass at Lifford in Co Donegal.

Her frantic son Micheál said she was a fit and healthy woman whose disappearance was totally out of character.

As fears for her safety grew, a Police Service of Northern Ireland spokeswoman confirmed a major operation was under way.

She said: “Members of the Foyle and Strabane search and rescue team will be assisted by the PSNI underwater search team and the Garda underwater search team.

“The Garda air support unit will also overfly the search area.”