Police searching for missing Bournemouth woman Jean Lea are investigating a possible sighting in Ferndown.

Police received a report shortly before 1pm on Monday from a resident stating that a woman had come to their door in Mountbatten Drive asking for sponsorship money for a charity event.

The resident said she was concerned for the woman’s welfare as she seemed lost and did not go to any other houses.

Officers are keen to trace the identity of the woman as she was similar in description to missing Jean Lea, who was last seen at her home address in Meadow Road on Sunday, March 26.

The woman seen in Ferndown was described as being around 70 years old, around five feet four inches tall and of slim build. She was wearing a light brown raincoat.

Jean Lea, who is 67, has been described as white, five feet eight inches tall and of slim build and has short blonde hair.

Chief Inspector Mike Claxton, of Dorset Police, said: “We are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen this woman in the Ferndown area or knows of anyone who has been collecting legitimately in the area so we can eliminate them from our investigations.”

Anyone with information 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 3:187.

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