Police officers are 'very concerned' for the welfare of a missing woman as officers carry out an extensive search for her.

Nicola Jones, aged 48, was last seen at around 3.20pm on Sunday, April 4 driving on the A31 near to Stag Gate. Her car has since been located in the Charborough Park area near Sturminster Marshall.

Nicola is described as white, five feet eight inches tall and of slim to medium build with long straight black hair. She was last seen wearing a long white cardigan, black leggings and possibly sandals.

Police officers are currently carrying out a search for Nicola Jones and have deployed a NPAS helicopter in a bid to find her.

Chief Inspector Stu Pitman, of Dorset Police, said: “We are very concerned for Nicola’s welfare and it is really important that we find her to make sure she is all right.

“Officers are carrying out searches of the area, assisted by the NPAS helicopter, in a bid to locate Nicola.

“I am appealing to anyone who may have been walking in the area and has seen Nicola, or a woman matching the description given, to please get in touch.

“Finally, I would like to appeal directly to Nicola if you see this – please call us or your family and let us know where you are as we just want to make sure you are safe.”

Anyone with information or knowledge as to Nicola’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 4:366.