A body was found in a lake in Cheshire during the search for a missing mother of three who disappeared after visiting a petrol station in the early hours of Saturday morning. Rachel Booth, 38, was reported missing from the Barnton area of Northwich on July 19, 2025.
Booth was last seen by her family in the village of Barnton before being captured on closed-circuit television at approximately 3:50 a.m. at Sandiway Garage on the A556 road near Northwich. The petrol station was located approximately five miles from where her family had last seen her. A gas station worker indicated that Booth had purchased milk and wine after completing what appeared to be a 45-minute jog.
Following her disappearance, Cheshire Police launched an extensive search operation that included officers, police dogs, underwater search teams, and Cheshire Search and Rescue personnel. Authorities focused their efforts on the Oakmere area of Delamere, approximately eight miles from Barnton, where they believed Booth may have traveled.
Two underwater search units were deployed to Delamere Lake holiday park on Monday morning, July 21, as part of the investigation. The search operation also extended to Wild Shore Delamere, a water sports facility that voluntarily closed its operations to assist with police investigations in the surrounding area.
On Monday afternoon, Cheshire Police announced the discovery of a body in a lake in Oakmere. A police spokesperson stated that while formal identification had not yet taken place, authorities believed the body to be that of Booth. The family was notified of the discovery and was receiving support from specialist officers.
Superintendent Paul Hughes had previously indicated that officers were becoming increasingly concerned for Booth’s welfare as the search progressed. The police had issued direct appeals to Booth, asking her to contact them to confirm her safety. Authorities also appealed to the public for any information regarding her whereabouts or anyone who may have seen her since she was reported missing.
During the search operation, police received reports from local residents who claimed to have seen a woman matching Booth’s description attempting to hitchhike and appearing distressed in the area. These sightings contributed to the focus on the Delamere region during the investigation.
Booth was described by police as five feet nine inches tall, with a slim build and blonde hair. She was believed to be wearing black leggings and a black top at the time of her disappearance. Local residents who knew her from the community described her as pleasant and active, noting that she had three children who attended local schools.
The search operation involved multiple agencies working together in challenging conditions. Officers conducted extensive ground searches while underwater teams examined bodies of water in the area. The coordination between Cheshire Constabulary and various specialist units demonstrated the comprehensive nature of the response to Booth’s disappearance.
Wild Shore Delamere issued a statement explaining their cooperation with the investigation and their decision to remain closed during the search operations. The facility extended its closure through Tuesday as a mark of respect following the discovery of the body, offering refunds or rescheduling for affected customers.
Police have indicated that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death, and a file will be prepared for the coroner. The investigation represents a conclusion to an intensive search effort that mobilized significant resources across the Cheshire region over the course of several days.
The case drew attention from law enforcement experts who noted similarities to other high-profile missing person cases in the United Kingdom. Former Scotland Yard Detective Peter Bleksley observed that police appeared to have learned lessons from previous investigations, particularly regarding the management of public interest and the closure of relevant areas to prevent interference from amateur investigators.
The family has requested privacy during this difficult time as they process the news and receive ongoing support from specialist officers trained in family liaison. The discovery brings a tragic end to a search that had captured public attention and involved extensive community cooperation with law enforcement efforts.