CONCERN is growing for the safety of a woman with schizophrenia who went missing on Friday after saying she was going to meet a relative.

Paula Young, 24, from Etherley Lodge,Etherley, near Bishop Auckland, left on Friday morning with her cash and bank cards, saying she was going shopping in Bishop Auckland and meeting her aunt. It was later found that the aunt knew nothing about the arrangements.

There are growing fears for the safety of Ms Young, who requires medication twice a day. Although she took medication before leaving the lodge, it is not known if she has taken any since. She has been known to become violent.

Ms Young is 5ft, with long, mousy brown hair, usually unbrushed. She was believed to be wearing a white jumper with an anchor design.

A police spokesman said: "She is very easily led and trusting, hence our concerns.

"Obviously we need to trace her as soon as possible.

"It is not known if she is still in the Bishop Auckland area. She may well be, but she is known to have at least one friend in the Newcastle-upon-Tyne area."

Anyone who knows of Ms Young's whereabouts, or think they might have seen her, is asked to contact Bishop Auckland CID on (01388) 603566