POLICE are appealing for help to trace a Shildon woman who has gone missing from her home.

Helen Martin, 30, was last seen in the West Cornforth area, near to Ferryhill, in County Durham, around 8pm on Monday, July 14.

Police are particularly concerned as she left her two children in the care of her friends when she disappeared.

She is white, about 5ft 6ins tall and of medium build. She has dark hair, blue eyes and a fair complexion.

When she went missing she was wearing a a grey sweater, black jacket and wedge sandals.

Inspector Jon Rowland, of Bishop Auckland police, said: “Helen has been missing for a week, and understandably her friends and family are growing increasingly concerned about her.

“We believe that she may be somewhere in the Bishop Auckland area.

“If anyone has seen Helen or has information that could put us in contact with her we would appeal to them to get in touch.”

Anyone with information which may help the police to trace the missing woman should contact Durham Police on 101.