Former Metropolitan Police detective Peter Bleksley has described the vanishing of Rachel Booth as "very strange", highlighting how her actions must have been completely uncharacteristic to trigger such an extensive police response.
Speaking on GB News, the veteran investigator emphasised that the 38-year-old mother's behaviour was "clearly out of line" with her normal patterns, prompting genuine alarm among officers.
"This is clearly out of character," Bleksley stated, noting that Cheshire Police would not have mounted such a substantial search operation or gone public with their concerns unless her disappearance represented a significant departure from her typical conduct.
The former detective predicted the deployment would expand to include aerial resources such as drones and helicopters, alongside assistance from neighbouring forces.
GB NEWS
|Bleksley said Booth's disappearance is 'very out of character'
The peculiar circumstances surrounding Booth's final confirmed appearance have intensified concerns about her wellbeing. At approximately 3.50am on Saturday, she was captured on CCTV at Sandiway Garage on the A556 in Northwich, where she purchased milk and wine.
This visit occurred following a 45-minute run, with Booth dressed in black leggings and a black top. Staff member Issac Carolan, 19, relayed that his colleague who served her observed nothing unusual about her demeanour.
"She did not seem disturbed or flustered," Carolan reported, adding that the encounter appeared entirely normal. The timing and nature of these purchases - everyday items bought during pre-dawn hours after exercise - have contributed to what Bleksley termed the "very strange" nature of her disappearance.
A major search operation has concentrated on Delamere Water Park, where specialist teams have been scouring the area since Sunday. Underwater search units and trained sniffer dogs have been deployed to the location, which sits less than two miles from where Booth was last spotted.
GB NEWS
|Bleksley joined Stephen Dixon and Ellie Costello to discuss the hunt of the missing runner
The Wild Shore Delamere watersports facility has suspended all activities, confirming its closure was "due to ongoing police investigations in the surrounding area". Management clarified that whilst the incident was not connected to their venue, they wished to assist authorities fully.
The search has expanded across the Oakmere region, with Cheshire Search and Rescue joining police efforts. Superintendent Paul Hughes acknowledged the operation was pursuing multiple lines of enquiry, expressing gratitude to local businesses for their patience during the extensive investigation.
Booth, who stands at 5ft 9ins with a slim build and blonde hair, is well-regarded in her Barnton community. Local resident Raj Kaur described her to The Sun as "a lovely clever lady" who was "very active and very nice".
Another parent from the school attended by her three sons characterised her as consistently pleasant. The family had last seen her in the Barnton area before her early morning journey to the petrol station approximately five miles away.
Superintendent Paul Hughes confirmed that concern for her welfare was mounting significantly. "We would also like to appeal directly to Rachel to get in touch to let us know you are OK," he stated.
Cheshire Police have urged anyone with information to contact them on 101 or through their website, referencing IML-2136439.