DETECTIVES hunting for missing Southampton mum Belinda Gibson today switched their hunt to Southampton Water.

Detectives investigating the disappearance of the mother-of-five, pictured right, want to hear from anyone who may have information about a boat and car believed to be crucial to the inquiry.

Three people have been quizzed about the whereabouts of Mrs Gibson, 32, of Purvis Gardens, Sholing, who has not been seen since Saturday, February 16.

Yesterday her husband David, a martial arts instructor, protested his innocence after being held in custody for four days in connection with his wife's disappearance.

The 31-year-old told the Daily Echo: "Allegations were made that me and my father were involved in murdering my wife and disposed of her body at sea.

"Although I have got nothing to hide, all the rumours that are going around here now are horrendous."

Today Det Chief Insp Bob Duncan, leading the police inquiry, codenamed Operation Asgard, said a white Nissan Patrol four-by-four towing a rigid inflatable boat could prove central to the case.

The vehicle is believed to have been in the Hamble or Warsash area on Saturday, February 16, and was possibly travelling in convoy with a dark Vauxhall Cavalier.

Det Chief Insp Duncan said: "The 16th was the Saturday at the end of the half-term week, so a lot of families would have been out enjoying the water.

"You may have seen the boat on a public hard or in the eastern area of Southampton Water. If you remember seeing these vehicles, please get in touch."

He added: "At this time this remains a missing person inquiry, but we are extremely concerned about the circumstances surrounding Mrs Gibson's disappearance and are following up every single piece of information we receive."

The rigid inflatable boat is predominantly orange and similar to the type of craft used as inshore lifeboats.

Detectives also renewed their appeal for a woman who made an anonymous phone-call in early April to get back in contact urgently.

Call the Operation Asgard team on 0845 045 4545, or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.

Three people quizzed by police are due to return for further questioning on June 11.