A pensioner who disappeared from a hospital has still not been found a week later.

Sheila Ratcliffe, 76, was seen leaving the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford last Saturday.

The last sighting of her was on the nearby A2070 Kennington Road at 6.20pm that night.

This led investigating officers to issue an appeal aimed at drivers.

It read: "Officers have asked for motorists to check their dashcam footage for Sheila Ratcliffe if they were travelling on the M20 at J10 towards Bad Munstereifel Road, towards the Ashford International train station or around the William Harvey Hospital and Kennington Road heading into Ashford, via Hythe Road between 8.30pm on August 1 and 9pm on August 2."

"Officers also believe it is possible that Mrs Ratcliffe may have taken shelter in outbuildings in this area and asked that residents check any such buildings for her.

"She is also believed to have lost her mobile phone in the area and have asked residents to hand any phone they may find into the police."

A new statement seeks to dissuade the public from organising a search team following a new line of enquiry.

A spokesman said: "Kent Police is continuing to review all available lines of enquiry to locate Sheila Ratcliffe, who was reported missing on August 2.

"Specialist officers are continuing to work in partnership with Kent Search and Rescue and have a strategy in place.

"While officers are appreciative of the public offering to conduct their own searches, their efforts could unintentionally compromise some lines of enquiry.

"People are therefore asked not to carry out their own, independent searches."

The police are concerned for her welfare, and ask anyone with information to contact them on 101 quoting 02-1280.

Read more: All the latest news from Ashford