THE coastguard and police helicopter has been scrambled to help find a woman missing from Christchurch.

Karen Stone, 56, was last seen in Whitehayes Road at 8.30am on Tuesday, February 15.

She was last in contact with family at around 11.40am on the same day and has not been seen or heard from since.

Karen is described as white, five feet eight inches tall and of slim build with brown shoulder-length hair. 

Chief Inspector Neil Wright, of Dorset Police, said: “We are becoming increasingly concerned for Karen’s welfare and are keen to locate her to make sure that she is all right. I would urge anyone who has seen her, or a woman matching the description given, to please get in touch.

“We have been carrying out searches in the Christchurch and Bournemouth areas, with assistance from the coastguard as well as the NPAS helicopter.

“I would also like to appeal directly to Karen that if you see this appeal, please make contact with us or your family as we just want to make sure you are safe and well.”

Anyone with information or knowledge as to Karen’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 incident number 16:72.