POLICE believe a missing 72-year-old may have 'sought shelter in woodland' after her disappearance this week.

Officers have issued a new photograph of Eileen Samways, who lives in Wareham. She was reported missing at 9.50am on August 15 after it was discovered that she was not at her home in Sherford Drive.

Ms Samways was last spoken to at 9.55am on Wednesday.

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

Police have carried out searches of the area alongside Dorset Search & Rescue (DorSAR), Wessex 4x4 Response and the NPAS helicopter. However, Ms Samways has not been found.

Chief Inspector Rob Chalkley, of Dorset Police, said: “We have now been able to obtain a more recent photograph of Eileen, which gives a better idea of what she now looks like. I am renewing my appeal to the public to contact us with any sightings or information.

“Eileen has been missing for some time and we are very concerned for her. It may be possible she has sought shelter in woodland and I would ask walkers to be vigilant and contact us if they see a woman matching the description given.

“Finally, if Eileen sees this appeal I would ask her to please get in touch as we and your family want to ensure you are safe and well.”

Anyone with information or knowledge as to Ms Samways' whereabouts is asked to contact Dorset Police via dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 15:105.