Police in Cheshire have intensified their search for Rachel Booth, a 38-year-old woman from Northwich who has been missing since the early hours of Saturday, July 19, 2025. Rachel was last seen by her family in the Barnton area before being captured on CCTV at the Sandiway Garage on the A556 at approximately 3:50 a.m. that same day. Concern for her welfare has grown steadily, prompting a multi-agency response that includes underwater search teams and Cheshire Search and Rescue, focusing their efforts around the Oakmere area near Delamere Forest.
Rachel Booth, described as 5 feet 9 inches tall, slim, with blonde hair, was believed to be wearing black leggings and a black top when she disappeared. Her movements after the last confirmed sighting have become the central focus of the investigation. Police suspect she may have traveled to Oakmere, a rural village close to Delamere Forest, where search teams are currently conducting thorough inquiries.
Superintendent Paul Hughes of Cheshire Constabulary has expressed increasing concern for Rachel's safety. “We are currently following a number of enquiries to trace Rachel and we are becoming increasingly concerned for her welfare,” he said. He added that officers and partner agencies, including the Underwater Search Team and Cheshire Search and Rescue, are actively engaged in searches in Oakmere and the surrounding areas. Superintendent Hughes also thanked local businesses for their patience during ongoing investigations, acknowledging the disruption caused by police activity.
To aid the search, Wild Shore Delamere, a popular watersports and outdoor activities park located less than two miles from the last sighting at Sandiway Garage, has closed its facilities. The park announced on social media that it would remain closed until at least Tuesday, July 22, 2025, due to police investigations in the vicinity. “This incident is unrelated to Wild Shore – however we wish to help as much as possible – so we will be closing the site until further notice,” the statement read. The management apologized for any inconvenience and assured customers that refunds or rescheduling options would be available for affected bookings.
The involvement of underwater search teams indicates the police's concern that Rachel might be in or near water bodies in the area. The search operation includes sniffer dogs and divers, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the investigation. Police have urged anyone who has seen Rachel since her disappearance or who has any information about her whereabouts to come forward. They have also made a direct appeal to Rachel herself, asking her to get in touch to confirm she is safe.
“Investigators are following all lines of enquiry and anyone who has seen Rachel since she was reported missing is asked to contact us,” Superintendent Hughes emphasized. “The same goes for anyone who has any information on her whereabouts. We would also like to appeal directly to Rachel to get in touch to let us know you are OK.”
Members of the public are encouraged to report any information to Cheshire Police by calling 101 or using the force’s online reporting tool, quoting incident number IML-2136439. Support and advice are also available through Missing People’s Helpline, which offers a free, confidential, and non-judgmental service for those affected by disappearances.
The disappearance has understandably caused alarm in the local community, with the police and rescue teams leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to locate Rachel. The combination of CCTV footage, witness reports, and the deployment of specialized search teams demonstrates the seriousness with which authorities are treating the case.
As the search continues, the community remains hopeful for Rachel’s safe return. The cooperation between police, rescue organizations, local businesses, and the public underscores a collective commitment to resolving this distressing situation. Meanwhile, the closure of the Wild Shore Delamere park serves as a reminder of the ongoing investigation’s impact beyond just the immediate search area.
Rachel Booth’s family, friends, and the wider Cheshire community are anxiously awaiting news. The police appeal for any details that could assist in finding her remains open, emphasizing that even the smallest piece of information could be crucial.
Ultimately, the case highlights the vital role of community vigilance and swift police response in missing person investigations. With every passing day, the urgency to find Rachel grows, and the authorities continue to pursue every lead with determination and care.
