Devastated family thanks community for help in search

A DEVASTATED family have praised their community for helping search for a pensioner with dementia who went missing over the weekend before her body was discovered.

Police issued an urgent appeal to find Joan Doherty, 72, pictured, after she was last seen at her home address in the Allt-Yr-Yn area of Newport on Saturday evening.

Officers said she suffered with dementia and they were concerned for her welfare due to the poor weather conditions.

Her body was discovered on Wednesday in the Barrack Hill area of Newport after she was reported missing on Sunday. Her family released a tribute to her yesterday. They said: “The family of Joan Doherty wish to thank everyone in the community who helped to search and spread the word for their mum’s disappearance.

“We are extremely grateful to the people who helped look for mum especially with the poor weather conditions.

“We have nothing but praise for all the efforts and phenomenal support from Gwent Police and the officers involved in the search operation.

“We are currently being supported by a Police Family Liaison Officer and would now like to be left alone to grieve as a family through this difficult time.”

A police statement previously said: “Officers are not treating the death as suspicious at this time, and the Coroner has been informed.”