THE hunt for missing woman Mandy Bishop was extended yesterday after a team of divers was called in.

A police underwater search team scoured the river near her home as fears continued to increase for the safety of the 34-year-old.

Mandy has not been seen since March 22. A severe agoraphobic, she had been virtually housebound for 13 years at her home in Bishopgate Street, York, where she cared for her mother, Valerie, 66, who has terminal cancer.

Police have searched the immediate area around her home and have also been carrying out inquiries in the neighbourhood.

Yesterday, the West Yorkshire Police underwater search unit joined the hunt, scouring the River Ouse between Skeldergate Bridge and Naburn Lock.

It is known that in the weeks leading up to her disappearance Mandy had made threats to harm herself and tests are still being carried out on traces of blood found in her home to discover if they have any bearing on the case.

Police forces around the country have been put on the alert in case they have had contact with anyone matching Mandy’s description.

She has green eyes, is about 5ft, and very petite. She has shoulder-length, dark brown hair and usually wears trousers and a jumper with a black or red coat.

Anyone who may have seen or spoken to Mandy in the weeks leading up to her disappearance, or may know where she is is asked to call police on 0845-60-60-24-7 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800-555-111.