Have you seen this woman?
Missing Orleton woman Alethea Taylor
HUNDREDS of villagers joined Police over the weekend in the search for a missing Herefordshire woman.
The volunteers congregated at Orleton Village Hall in Millbrook Way to help find missing Alethea Taylor, who has not been seen since leaving her home in the village on Thursday morning.
Police are now calling on farmers and landowners to check outbuildings as concern grows for the 63-year-old's safety.
"The villagers are like a small army and we have been all been very impressed with their organisation and dedication to the task," said Detective Sergeant Andy Bennett.
"This is obviously a tightly knit community and many of those helping are friends of Mrs Taylor or know her.
"We are most grateful for their assistance and they are doing a really good job.
"While we have searched the countryside directly around the village it is a vast rural area and we would appeal to farmers and other landowners both in the immediate area and further afield to check outbuildings in case Mrs Taylor has taken shelter in one of them.
"Naturally our concern for her wellbeing is growing as each day passes.
"We believe she is vulnerable and there are concerns about her mental state.
"No effort has been spared in the search
for her and I would appeal to anyone who thinks they have seen her since last Thursday or has any idea where she might be to get in touch with us immediately."
The search for Mrs Taylor has involved dog handlers, the police helicopter and the Severn Area Rescue Assocation (SARA), whose members have been focusing on streams and other water courses.
The Longtown Mountain Rescue Team will be brings their dogs to help with the search today.
Mrs Taylor is described as being white, about 5ft 7 and has short dark, but slightly greying hair.
When she was last seen, she was wearing night clothes, but police still do not know what she was wearing when she left home.
Anyone with information is urged to call police on 0300 333 3000 or the non-emergency 101 number.