POLICE are appealing for help to find a missing woman who was staying at a hotel in Poole.

Ulrike Blatchford, 73, was last seen by staff at Hotel Du Vin in Thames Street at 10.30am on Saturday.

Although she was expected to check out that day, she left all her clothes and belongings in her room.

She has not been seen or heard from since and her bank account has not been used.

Ulrike is described as five feet seven inches tall, with greying blonde hair and a gaunt face. She usually wears woollen coats and trousers.

Inspector James Offer, of Dorset Police, said: “Ulrike does have a local address but she has not returned to it. Due to the passage of time she has now been missing, we are becoming increasingly concerned for her.

“I would ask anyone who has seen Ulrike or a woman matching the description given to please contact Dorset Police.

“If Ulrike sees this appeal I would ask her to contact us – we just want to speak to you to check you are safe.”

Anyone with information or knowledge as to Ulrike’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 55180051891.