POLICE have continued their search for a woman who has been missing for four days.

Jean Lea is believed to have left her home at Meadow View Road in Bearwood just before 3am on Sunday.

She is described as white, five feet five inches tall, of slim build and with short blonde hair.

It is believed she may have left the house in night clothes and with a black handbag with a long shoulder strap.

On Wednesday afternoon, officers from the police's marine unit were joined by the NPAS helicopter crew to search the Longham area.

The NPAS helicopter and marine section have been assisting local officers with the search for Jean in the Bournemouth and Poole area over the last few days and those enquiries are continuing.

Her disappearance has sparked a large-scale search and pleas for members of the public to come forward with any information or possible sightings.

Chief Inspector Mike Claxton, of Dorset Police, said: "We are still very concerned for the welfare of Jean as we believe she has been confused recently and has not been seen since the early hours of Sunday morning. 

“I am appealing to anyone who has seen a woman matching her description, to please contact Dorset Police as soon as possible.

“Please check your gardens and outbuildings in case Jean has sought shelter and if you spot a handbag similar to the one pictured, please do not touch it, but contact police.

“If Jean sees this appeal, please get in touch with your family or police as we all want to ensure you are safe and well.”

Anyone with information or knowledge as to Jean'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 27:41.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.