POLICE are becoming increasingly concerned for the safety of a missing mentally handicapped woman.

Sarah Greenwood was last seen at her home in Church Street, Barnoldswick, at 9am on Sunday, although she was not reported missing until yesterday afternoon.

She is 31 years old but has a mental age of eight, according to the police. Her husband, Peter, raised the alarm. The couple live in a flat above a row of town centre shops.

A search involving police officers and members of Rossendale search and rescue team has started and officers were continuing house-to-house inquiries today. The police helicopter was also called out to comb the area.

Police fear Sarah may have set off to walk along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. She used to live in Burnley for many years before moving to Barnoldswick recently and enjoyed walking along the towpath.

Sarah, who has dark ginger neck-length hair, was wearing a checked trouser suit, mint green 'bubble' coat and blue and white trainers. She has brown eyes and is of thin build.

Anyone who has spotted Sarah is asked to contact the police on 01282 425001.