POLICE are appealing to people in Yate to keep their eyes open for a vulnerable pensioner who has been missing for nearly three weeks.

Mary Mumford, 79, disappeared from Bath on Sunday, August 16 and was spotted in North Road, Yate two days later.

Mrs Mumford, who suffers from dementia, was captured on CCTV walking out of the Royal United Hospital in Bath.

On Monday, August 17 there was a confirmed sighting of her on Lansdown Lane, on the outskirts of Bath, and the following day she was seen in North Road, where she entered a car sales premises and then left again.

Det Sgt Nick Wilkins, from Bath CID, told the Gazette he believed Mrs Mumford may have arrived in Yate by car.

He said there was no reason for her to come to the area as she does not have family living in the town.

There have been several unconfirmed sightings of her in Yate Shopping Centre since then but her family and the police are growing increasingly worried for her safety.

Said Det Sgt Wilkins: "She is a vulnerable, high-risk missing person who we have no confirmed sightings of for two weeks now.

"Obviously we are worried about her welfare and I would ask members of the public if they are out walking or in their car and happen to see someone matching Mary’s description to please contact us immediately on 999 or afterwards on 0845 456 7000."

He said Mrs Mumford’s photograph has been circulated in Yate and house-to-house enquiries have been carried out. Police Community Support Officers have also been patrolling the town on the lookout for the missing pensioner.

Mrs Mumford is described as white, approximately five feet tall, of medium build with shoulder length blonde hair.

She is believed to be wearing a red top and a red checked jacket, a black skirt, pink socks, and black satin slippers.