POLICE have appealed for help to trace a woman who went missing after leaving hospital.

April Howatt, 57, was last seen just before 4pm yesterday at Kings Park Hospital in Bournemouth. When she left there, she was due to take a bus home, but did not return as expected.

She is described as white, five feet two inches tall and of stocky build. She is wearing a black skirt and fishnet stockings and has a lot of hair clips in her hair. She normally uses a metal pole as a walking stick.

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Chief Inspector Andy Bell, of Dorset Police, said: "It is unusual for April not to return home and we are becoming increasingly concerned for her welfare.

"Since she went missing we have made a number of enquiries, but have so far been unable to find her or establish where she might have gone.

"I am hoping that somebody may have seen April and can help us trying to locate her as we urgently need to ensure she is safe and well."

Information to Dorset Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 55210030844, or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.