Officers searching for a missing woman in Weymouth are pleased to say that she has been located.

Irene Cardwell is 84 years old and left her home in Clearmount Road at 6.30pm yesterday, Monday January 15, to walk into town.

She failed to return home as expected and she was reported missing to Dorset Police at 12.41am today, but was located in the Weymouth area by police.

She is described as white, five feet six inches tall, of medium build and with grey hair. She was wearing a black overcoat and was carrying a dark-coloured handbag. She is said to walk lopsided.

Searches took place in the Weymouth area overnight involving the NPAS helicopter in an attempt to find Irene but she had not yet been located.

Chief Inspector Heather Dixey, of Dorset Police, had orginally said: “Irene suffers from poor memory and it is very unusual for her to stay out so late on her own. She does not have a mobile phone with her or access to a car.

“We are very concerned for Irene and I would urge anyone who has seen her, or a woman matching the description given, to please get in touch.

“If Irene sees this appeal I would ask her to please get in contact with us. We just want to know that you are safe and well.”

Police are now thanking everyone for sharing their appeal, which led to Irene being found.