POLICE say they are concerned for the welfare of a woman who was last seen leaving a Somerset hospital in the early hours of this morning (Sunday).

Officers have issued an appeal to help trace Felicity Clough, aged 55, who left Yeovil District Hospital at 3.50am today.

She walked off the site and was due to return to her home in Yetminster, Dorset, but never arrived.

Police describe her as as white, 5ft 5in tall, of very slim build with red shoulder-length hair and a tattoo of flowers on her left arm.

She was last seen wearing black leggings and a grey vest.

Chief Inspector Lindsay Dudfield, of Dorset Police, said: “We are very concerned for Felicity’s welfare as she has not been seen since leaving the hospital.

“We are currently carrying out extensive searches of the area, assisted by the NPAS helicopter and Dorset Search and Rescue.

“I would urge anyone who sees Felicity, or a woman matching the description given, to please contact us.

“Finally, I would also like to make a direct plea to Felicity to please get in touch with us or your family and let us know where you are so we can make sure you are safe.”

Anyone with information or knowledge as to Felicity's whereabouts is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk via e-mail 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 24:108.