Underwater teams search lakes near Delamere after Rachel Booth vanished in the early morning hours

Underwater search teams have joined an escalating police hunt for a missing woman last seen at a petrol station in the early hours of Saturday morning. Rachel Booth, 38, from Northwich, Cheshire, vanished shortly after 3.50am, triggering a large-scale operation across the Delamere area.

Booth was first reported missing after her family last saw her in the Barnton area, a suburb of Northwich. Hours later, CCTV confirmed she had been at the Sandiway petrol station on the A556—roughly five miles away from where she was initially seen.

It’s the final confirmed sighting of her. Since then, no contact, no trace.

Police now believe Booth may have travelled toward Oakmere, a rural spot flanked by woodland and lakes on the edge of Delamere Forest. That possibility has led authorities to deploy underwater search teams alongside Cheshire Search and Rescue, as concern for her welfare grows by the hour.

A nearby water park, located just under two miles from the garage where Booth was seen, was forced to close on Sunday. A sign cited “ongoing police investigations” in the surrounding area, deepening public speculation about the nature of the search.

Rachel Booth is described as 5ft 9ins, slim, with blonde hair. At the time of her disappearance, she is believed to have been wearing black leggings and a black top.

Superintendent Paul Hughes of Cheshire Constabulary gave a sombre statement as the search entered its second day.

“We are currently following a number of enquiries to trace Rachel and we are becoming increasingly concerned for her welfare,” he said. “Investigators are exploring all possibilities, and anyone who has seen Rachel since she was reported missing is urged to come forward.”

He also made a direct appeal to Booth: “We would also like to appeal directly to Rachel to get in touch and let us know you are OK.”

The timeline of Booth’s disappearance remains tight but troubling. From Barnton to Sandiway, and possibly into the heavily wooded Delamere area, the route suggests either a deliberate move away from populated areas or a path taken under distress.

Locals say they were startled to see search vehicles and police activity near Delamere Lake on Sunday morning. One dog walker said they were turned away from usual paths with “no explanation other than police tape and officers asking questions.”

The quiet villages of Cheshire have seen missing persons cases before, but the scale and swiftness of this search—particularly with specialist dive teams involved—suggests that authorities are preparing for the worst.

As the investigation continues, digital forensics teams are likely examining Booth’s phone and online activity. But for now, the physical search remains the priority, with the focus fixed on the rural expanse between Sandiway and Oakmere.

Anyone with information—no matter how minor it may seem—is urged to contact Cheshire Police immediately.

With every hour that passes, Rachel Booth’s whereabouts grow more urgent and more mysterious.