Officers searching for a missing Dorset woman are appealing for the public’s help in trying to find her.

April Howatt, who is 57 years old, was last seen just before 4pm on Tuesday, February 23, at Kings Park Hospital. When she left there, she was due to take a bus home, but has not return as expected.

She is described as white, five feet two inches tall and of stocky build. She is wearing a black skirt and fishnet stockings and has a lot of hair clips in her hair. She normally uses a metal pole as a walking stick.

Chief Inspector Andy Bell, of Dorset Police, said: “It is unusual for April not to return home and we are becoming increasingly concerned for her welfare.

“Since she went missing we have made a number of enquiries, but have so far been unable to find her or establish where she might have gone.

“I am hoping that somebody may have seen April and can help us trying to locate her as we urgently need to ensure she is safe and well.”

Anyone with information or knowledge as to April'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 occurrence number 55210030844.