Officers searching for a missing woman from Dorchester are appealing for help from the public to find her.

The woman, 45, left her home address in Peverell Avenue West in Poundbury at around 9am on today. She has been in contact with family via messages when she seemed very upset.

She is described as white, five feet four inches tall and of slight build with shoulder-length brown hair. She was wearing a green Parka-type coat, black jeans and black boots.

Chief Inspector Steve May, of Dorset Police, said: “We are becoming increasingly concerned for Hannah and officers are searching the area, assisted by the NPAS helicopter.

“I would ask anyone with information as to Hannah’s whereabouts, or who sees a woman matching the description given, to please contact us immediately.

“Finally, I would urge Hannah if she sees this appeal to please contact us or your family and let us know where you are as we all just want to make sure you are safe.”

Anyone with information or knowledge as to Hannah’s whereabouts is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 23:121.