THE search for a missing Gateshead woman has seen both Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team and the North of Tyne Mountain Rescue team deployed to the Crawcrook area.

Mother-of-four Sorrelle Bamford was reported missing at 9.55am yesterday, and was last seen at an address on Chesters Gardens in Crawcrook.

The teams were deployed on Tuesday, but stood down that night.

The officer leading the search for Sorrelle, superintendent Brad Howe, has now appealed directly to Sorrelle to contact police.

He said: "The search for Sorrelle has been going on now for more than 24 hours and we are treating her as a high risk missing person as we are very concerned for her welfare.

"Sorrelle's family are understandably distraught by her disappearance and just want her to contact them or police so that they know she is okay.

"I would appeal for anyone who has seen Sorrelle, or anyone matching her description, to get in touch with officers at the earliest opportunity.

"I would also appeal to Sorrelle directly to contact police or come and speak to us at a nearby police station. We just want to make sure you are okay and we can help provide you with any support you need."

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: "Enquiries to trace Sorrelle are ongoing but both police and her family are growing increasingly concerned for her welfare.

"She is described as white, of medium build, about 5ft6in tall and with shoulder length, blonde hair.

"She is believed to be wearing black jeans, a peach vest and a thin black jacket. She may also be carrying a black Michael Kors handbag."

Officers are asking anyone who sees Sorrelle to get in touch. Anyone with information that may assist police is asked to call 101, quoting log 264 23/04/19.