Loved ones of missing woman Natalie McIntyre issue fresh plea two weeks after 31-year-old 'vanishes'

Loved ones of Natalie, who went missing in South Shields on Tuesday, February 11 have not given up hope that somebody knows something about her whereabouts.

The 31-year-old, who has schizophrenia and has been described as “vulnerable”, has not been seen since leaving her home in the Mill Dam area.

Someone matching her description was captured on CCTV walking from her home, down Ocean Road with the last sighting near the seafront pub the Sundial at around 8am on Wednesday, February 12.

Police have appealed for anyone who was in the area between 7.45am and 9.30am and who can provide any information as to whether they saw Natalie or not to come forward.

A search has been carried out along the seven mile stretch of coastline from Haven point to Roker, with officers checking CCTV in shops and restaurants in the town as well as at local Metro and bus stations.

But Natalie’s mum, Linda Lindsay says 16 days since she last saw her daughter, there is still no news of her whereabouts.

“She has vanished, she’s been unwell for a long time but has never disappeared like this before,” said the 58-year-old.

Linda saw Natalie on Tuesday evening and says she was experiencing psychosis and had been visited by the crisis team.

She was due to attend a hospital appointment the next day but when she didn’t show up Linda went to her flat and alerted the police.

Now she fears Natalie may have sheltered somewhere along the coastline from the weather.

“She went without a phone, keys, money or a coat with her and she hasn’t taken her medication,” she said.

“That coastline is beautiful but it’s very harsh. She’s an extremely vulnerable person in a vulnerable place.”

She added: “My head is going from one extreme to the other. The not knowing is driving everybody crazy, we’re just trying to keep hope.”

Natalie’s sister, Laura Mervyn also shared a heartbreaking plea on social media, she said: “Natalie is so much more than the missing person or the one in the pictures. She's a daughter whose mam is desperate for information to find her. Shes a sister who's brother and sister are heartbroken wanting her safe. She’s a best friend who is missed. She's part of our world.

“There can't be a person in South Shields who has not seen her photo.”

Laura thanked people for their concern and said the family has taken “such strength” from the support they have received.

Linda added: “Everybody has been so supportive, even total strangers. It restores your faith in humanity.

“We really appreciate everything everybody has done. We just need a little grain of hope that somebody has seen something – she’s our Natalie.”

Natalie is described as 5ft 3ins with brown eyes and blonde, bobbed hair.

She was thought to be wearing black pump-style shoes, khaki green cargo trouser and a black top with gold bands on the sleeves.

Anyone with information should contact 101 quoting log 768 12/02/20.