Teams search Whitehawk for missing Nellie Herriot

Specialist police teams are searching an area of Brighton where a 96-year-old woman was last seen nearly a week ago.

Nellie Herriot, who has Alzheimers and lives alone, was last seen getting off a 1a bus in Whitehawk on 24 April.

Two Neighbourhood Watch search teams, a Sussex lowland search and rescue team and lowland search dogs began combing the area at 11.30 BST.

Members of the public have been asked not to try to join the police teams but to check gardens and outbuildings.

The search, which began at the junction with Whitehawk Way and Whitehawk Road, is planned to continue until the evening.

Police said it was not known whether Ms Herriot had any money with her, but her bus pass was found in her flat.

Nellie Herriot, who is 96 and has Alzheimers, was last seen on a 1a bus on 24 April

Det Sgt Duncan Elliott said officers were investigating 35 reported sightings of her since 24 April.

Ms Herriot was wearing a blue coat, a black hat, pale coloured trousers and shoes, and was carrying a beige bag when she was last seen.

CCTV images showing her wearing the same clothing three days earlier have been released by Sussex Police.

"Due to the length of time that has now passed, we are extremely concerned for her welfare and hope that today's search will find her safe and well," said Mr Elliott.

"These search teams are specially trained and I would appeal to the general public to please not try and join the police search teams."