POLICE are appealing for help in hunting a missing woman.

Heather Bater, 50, vanished after last being spotted outside the Co-op store near her home in Saxon Close, Warash, on Wednesday at 9am.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Peter Lavin said: “Police have carried out searches of the surrounding area and made numerous enquiries within the local community. Extensive enquiries continue to trace her whereabouts.

“Officers are in contact with Mrs Bater’s family to find and pursue further leads into her possible whereabouts and intentions.

“We are concerned that she may be in a vulnerable condition. Anyone who has seen Mrs Bater or who knows where she could be is asked to contact police. Local residents are asked to check gardens, outbuildings, alleyways and allotments.”

Mrs Bater is white, with brown eyes and wears glasses, 5 ft 5 ins tall, medium to large build with brown frizzy hair.

Detective Constable Peter Lavin added: “I’m also appealing directly to Mrs Bater to contact her family or the police to let us know where she is.”

Mrs Bater or anyone with information is asked to contact police by phoning 101.

From outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, phone police on 0845 045 45 45. Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.