POLICE have said they are extremely concerned for the safety of a vulnerable woman who has gone missing from her home in Pencombe, near Bromyard.

Patricia Chesters, aged 59, was last seen walking in the area at 3pm on Tuesday, March 6, but a friend of hers raised the alarm at about 8pm that evening after realising she had not come home. No one has seen Mrs Chesters since.

On Tuesday evening, a police helicopter with thermal camera equipment on board was used to look for Mrs Chesters, who is white, about 5ft 5ins tall and has shoulder-length grey hair and a pale complexion.

Police officers with dog handlers continued the search yesterday. A West Mercia police spokesman described Mrs Chesters as vulnerable and said officers were extremely concerned for her welfare, especially because of the poor weather during the night. He added: "We want to hear from anyone who believes they may have seen her. She may appear confused and it is important officers are able to locate her as quickly as possible to ensure she is safe and well."

Anyone who can help trace Mrs Chesters, who was last seen wearing black tracksuit bottoms and a dark blue top with a bird motif on the front, should call 08457 444 888.