THE police are appealing for the public’s help to find a missing 54-year-old woman from Bournemouth.

Karen Watson was reported missing to the police on Monday, December 5 and had last been in contact with her family around two weeks ago.

It is believed that she had been staying in the Boscombe area.

She is described as white, five feet six inches tall, of thin build, with long brown and red hair.

Inspector Anna Harvey, of Dorset Police, said: “We are becoming increasingly concerned for the welfare of Karen.

"She is usually in regular contact with her family who live in Hampshire and for her not to have spoken to them in a number of weeks is completely out of character.

“I would urge anyone who has seen Karen or a woman matching her description to please call Dorset Police immediately.

"Finally, I would appeal to Karen directly to get in touch with us as your family are very worried and want to know you are safe.”

Anyone with information or knowledge as to Karen’s whereabouts is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.ukm by emailing 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 5:407.