Police, alongside mountain rescue teams and helicopters, have intensified the search for a missing woman last seen heading into a forest in Pontypridd. Joanne Jones, 49, was last seen around 9:45am on Monday, October 21, and concerns for her welfare are growing.
Joanne was spotted in Vale Gardens, Pontypridd, before reportedly making her way onto Graigwen Road towards Llanwonno Forest. CCTV footage released by South Wales Police shows her wearing a dark green coat, a black rucksack, leggings, and walking boots.
Chief Inspector Matt Rowlands of South Wales Police provided an update, emphasising the urgency of the situation. “Along with Joanne’s family and friends, we are growing increasingly concerned for her well-being and are appealing for anyone who may have seen her to please get in touch,” he said.
Search efforts have been extensive, involving officers with specialist training and equipment accustomed to working in difficult terrains and adverse weather conditions. The National Police Air Service and Mountain Rescue teams have also been deployed to assist in the search operation, with a particular focus on the Graigwen and Llanwonno areas.
Chief Inspector Rowlands also addressed members of the public, many of whom have expressed a desire to help in the search. “I appreciate that members of the public would like to set up volunteer search teams to help us find Joanne. However, all sightings must be carefully managed to ensure they are properly considered in the context of our overall investigation,” he explained.
He urged anyone with information to come forward and report sightings directly to the police. “If you have seen Joanne, please provide the date, time, and location of the sighting – if possible, a what3words location would be ideal. This will enable us to highlight areas where sightings have been reported and investigate them thoroughly.”
The search for Joanne continues as her family, friends, and the wider community wait anxiously for further news.
