OFFICERS searching for a missing woman have released an image of her taken on the day she was last seen.

Police have appealed for help to find missing April Howatt, a 57-year-old Bournemouth woman who was last seen just before 4pm on Tuesday, February 23, at Kings Park Hospital.

When she left there, she was due to take a bus home – but she has not returned home as expected.

READ: Have you seen April Howatt?

She is described as white, five feet two inches tall and of stocky build. She is wearing a black skirt, a purple top and fishnet stockings and has a lot of hair clips in her hair. She normally uses a metal pole as a walking stick.

Chief Inspector Greg Tansill, of Dorset Police, said: “We are continuing to carry out a number of enquiries to try and locate April as it is unusual for her not to return home.

“We have now obtained a recent image of April from when she attended her appointment at Kings Park Hospital that shows the clothing she was wearing on the day she went missing.

“I would like to renew my appeal for anyone who has seen April, or a woman matching the description given, to please get in touch. We urgently need to find her to ensure she is safe and well.”

Information to Dorset Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 55210030844, or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.