SEARCHES are under way for an"easily confused" 78-year-old woman missing from her home in Sherborne.

Madeleine Harvey, 78, was reported missing having last been seen at her address in Long Street at around 5.45pm today. She is believed to have left on foot.

Madeleine is described as white and five feet two inches tall with dark shoulder-length hair. She was wearing a bright red top and bright blue trousers.

Chief Inspector Steve Yeoman, of Dorset Police, said: “Madeleine is confused easily so we are concerned for her welfare and are keen to locate her to ensure she is all right.

“It is possible she may have attempted to get on a bus or a train so we are making enquiries with local transport hubs and I would urge anyone using public transport in the area to report any potential sightings.

“We are continuing to carry out searches in the local area and I would urge anyone with information as to Madeleine’s whereabouts to please contact police immediately.

“Finally I would ask Madeleine if you see this appeal to please make contact with us or your family as we just want to make sure you are safe and well.”

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 1:475.