BLOOD found inside a house came from a missing agoraphobic woman who had not left her home for more than 13 years, police confirmed yesterday.

The confirmation has raised concerns that Mandy Bishop may have suffered an injury and could be in need of medical attention.

The 34-year-old, of Bishopgate Street, in the Skeldergate area of York, was reported missing by a family friend at 1pm on Saturday.

But police believe Miss Bishop, who lives with her 66-yearold mother, Valerie, may have been missing from home since March 22.

Yesterday, police searches in and around her home continued and West Yorkshire’s underwater search team was also scouring five miles of the River Ouse, between Skeldergate Bridge and Naburn Lock.

Detective Chief Inspector Helen Taylor said: “We are deeply concerned for Mandy’s safety, and our concern has increased even further today now that we believe the blood that was found in the house belongs to her.

“Although Mandy has threatened self-harm in the past, we still very much believe her disappearance is out of character.

“Mandy is also the sole carer for her seriously-ill mother, Valerie, and, as a big animal lover, she also looks after their four dogs.”

Police are appealing for anyone who has seen a woman matching Mandy’s description since March 22 to contact them as soon as possible.

But they are particularly keen to hear from anyone who noticed any deliveries being made in the Bishopgate Street area between 1pm and 1.30pm on March 22.

Det Chief Insp Taylor said: “Ideally we would really like to speak to any drivers or delivery companies that had jobs on or near Bishopgate Street on that day. If not the drivers themselves, then we urge anyone who recalls seeing any deliveries to come forward to help.

“We are hoping any new information will allow us to build a clearer picture of Mandy’s movements that day which will help our search for her.”

Mandy is 5ft, slim, with shoulder-length dark-brown hair. It is not known what she was wearing at the time she disappeared.

She has a great interest in animals and may be attracted towards organisations such as the Dogs Trust Anyone with information should contact police on 0845-60-60-24-7.