Mum of missing South Shields woman Natalie McIntrye issues heartbreaking plea over daughter's whereabouts

Linda Lindsay has spoken out for the first time since her daughter Natalie, 31 went missing in South Shields on Tuesday, February 11.

Natalie who has been described as “vulnerable” has not been seen since leaving her home in the Mill Dam area that evening.

Police officers who have been carrying out a search over the last week previously said that someone matching Natalie’s description was seen around the seafront pub the Sundial at about 8am on Wednesday, February 12.

They 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.

Now, her mum has said that Natalie, who has schizophrenia, was experiencing psychosis and had been visited by the crisis team on Tuesday, February 11 before she went missing.

She was due to attend a hospital appointment the next day.

“It just doesn’t feel real. I’m just trying to find hope in the fact that they haven’t found her,” said Linda, who lives near Lemington, Newcastle.

“I’m acutely aware of how unwell and vulnerable she is.”

The 58-year-old continued: “She was just trying to get away from the voices screaming in her head.

“It’s the most scary place to be but she was always so brave, she kept going and tried to be happy and nice to everybody.

“She didn’t know anybody in that area, it’s almost like she was just walking away from what was going on in her head.”

But Linda has refused to give up hope that someone was in area at the time and may have information.

“Until someone tells you anything different you have to keep hoping,” she said.

“It’s a popular spot with dog walkers and runners, even though the weather was really bad, it’s unlikely that no one was there.

“She would have looked odd to anyone, she had no bag or coat or anything with her.”

Linda added: “We’re trying to stay strong but it’s a bleak world out there we just want her home in the warm.”

On Thursday, February 20, Northumbria Police thanked the public for their support so far and urged anyone else to get in touch.

A force spokeswoman said: “We want to thank everyone who has contacted us so far with information or possible sightings.

“If anyone else has any information that may help then please get in touch with us.”

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 who was in the seafront area between 7.45am and 9.30am and can provide information about whether they saw Natalie or not, should contact 101 quoting log 768 12/02/20.