AN ITEM of clothing has been found in a search for a woman believed to be missing in the Lulworth area.

Dorset Police, coastguards and Weymouth's lifeboats have been searching the area, including the coastal paths, after concerns were raised for her welfare.

A spokesman for Weymouth RNLI said the clothing was found near the shore line close to Lulworth Cove.

He said: “Weymouth's RNLI all weather and inshore lifeboats were launched at around 10.20am today to assist the coastguard search an area near to Lulwoth Cove where a person had been reported as missing on Wednesday.

“An item of clothing was found near the shore line close to Lulworth Cove.

“Both lifeboats returned to station at 12.30pm after completing a thorough search and finding nothing.”

A Dorset Police spokeswoman said the woman, who is 47 and from London, is believed to be in the vicinity of Lulworth.

The force received reports at just before 8.30pm yesterday and has been searching the area with the Dorset Police helicopter and the assistance of coastguards.

The woman is described as white, approximately 5ft 8ins with shoulder length dark hair.

She was last seen wearing a green padded jacket and green, three-quarter length trousers.

A spokesman for Portland Coastguard said: “Dorset Police informed us of concerns about the welfare of a female who was reportedly driving down to the Dorset coast. Her car was located at Lulworth.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police by calling 101.