Police are “extremely concerned” over the disappearance of a woman who vanished in South Ayrshire days before Christmas.

Laura Wilkie, 43, was last seen sitting on a bench near Ayr’s Millenium Bridge at around 8.30pm on Monday 18 December.

On Wednesday, investigating officers carried out a stop-and-speak operation in the area in an effort to gather more information and spark anyone’s memory who may have seen her at the time.

Air, dive and marine units have been involved in the Police Scotland search.

Chief Inspector Kevin Lammie said: “Laura isn’t known to travel far from home and goes out in the Ayr, Ayr Beach and Doonfoot areas.

“It is completely out of character for Laura not to keep in contact with her family and this is a very upsetting time for them.

“As time passes, we are extremely concerned for Laura’s safety and wellbeing.”

Ms Wilkie is described as slim, around 5ft 4in tall, with greying, closely cropped hair.

She was last seen wearing a dark padded coat with a beige fur-trimmed hood and another dark waterproof jacket over it.

Ms Wilkie was also wearing black leggings, black shoes and carrying a black rucksack.

She also walks with a distinctive blue cane.

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CI Lammie added: “As our enquiries continue, I would again urge anyone who has seen Laura since Monday 18 December 2023, or who has any information on her whereabouts to contact us as soon possible.”

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