THE police helicopter is involved in a wide-scale search for a woman who disappeared from hospital in the early hours of this morning.

Felicity Clough, 55 and of Yetminster, near Sherborne, was last seen at around 3.50am today.

She had been receiving treatment at Yeovil District Hospital but left on foot. She had been due to return home, but has not been seen since.

Ms Clough is described as white, five feet five inches 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 (DorSAR).

“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 via dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 24:108.