THE search for missing mother-of-two Elaine Taggart has moved to the countryside around Ferring and Goring.
About 30 officers and volunteers from the West Downs Neighbourhood Watch Search Team started searching fields around Highdown Hill on Monday.
Specially trained dogs provided by Essex Police were also used.
Mrs Taggart who is 48 was last seen on Friday, January 4.
Detective Chief Inspector Adam Hibbert, of Sussex Police's Major Crime Branch, is leading the investigation into Mrs Taggart's disappearance.
He said: "It is now almost three months since anyone saw Mrs Taggart.
"There has been no trace of her and, with every week that passes, we must now fear the worst.
"Today our investigation is moving into a new search phase, on the basis that she may either have met with an accident or become the victim of a serious crime.
"Whilst this remains a missing person inquiry, we are now confronting the strong possibility that Elaine Taggart is no longer alive."
Mrs Taggart's red Fiat Punto was found in Goring Street, off Goring Way, a short distance from Goring Railway Station and five minutes from her home.
Police stepped up their search by handing out flyers at the station with Mrs Taggart's photograph.
Her 90-year-old father, Chelsea pensioner Douglas Hassell, made an emotional appeal for her to return, as have her children Daniel, 14, and Sophie, 11.
Mrs Taggart, works as catering finance manager for Chartwells at Brighton College, is described as white, 5ft 6in, medium build with dark brown hair.
Anyone who knows where Mrs Taggart is, or who has any information, is asked to call Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999 quoting Operation Gordon.
Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or the charity Missing People on 0500 700 700.
Click here to see video of Mr Hassell's appeal for his daughter to get in touchClick here to read Sophie Taggart's open letter asking her mother to come home.-------------------------------------
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