A slipper has been found on the fifth day of the police search for Emilia 'Emilietta' Chini, a 75-year-old woman with dementia who went missing from her home this week.
On Sunday afternoon, a slipper was found in the search for the missing Emilietta Chini, who disappeared from her home in Eisden-Tuinwijk (Maasmechelen, Limburg), located on the edge of a large wooded area, on Wednesday around 17:00. Her children, who have taken part in the search actions, believe it belongs to her.
A certain stretch of the forest near where she went missing has been closed to everyone for the time being, until tracker dog handlers from the Federal Police are on the scene to meticulously comb the area. This is the first concrete lead found in the five days since the search started.
On Sunday morning around 10:00, some 150 volunteers gathered at the police commissariat of the Lanaken-Maasmechelen to help search for the missing woman. One group of people, including family, friends, neighbours and other volunteers, headed to the forest near the little station in Eisden, while another group of searchers went to Eisden-Dorp and Vucht.
Vast expanse of land
The groups of people are moving on foot in a long line, with every person spread five meters apart, covering the meadows and passing through woodland.
A vast expanse of land has already been searched using drones, thermal cameras, Federal Police helicopters and search dogs, while ponds and lakes, as well as the banks of waters, have been searched for any slip marks of someone who may have fallen into the water.
Her son and daughter are trying to provide as many tips as possible on where their mother may have gone, such as the former parental homes or the schools where she attended classes when she was younger.
The camera images that were available from public transport operator De Lijn and nearby railway stations have also been viewed.
Emilia 'Emilietta' Chini.
Emilia Chini is 1.63m tall and of normal build. She has short grey hair and wears glasses. At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing blue jeans, a blue sweater, grey slippers and no coat. She suffers from dementia and could appear confused and disoriented.
Anyone who has information about Emilia Chini is asked to fill out the police tip form or call the free number 0800 30 300.
