THE search for missing woman Mandy Bishop took a grim turn yesterday following tests on traces of blood found in her home.

The results indicate that the blood did come from the 34-year-old, who has now not been seen for more than two weeks.

And they heighten fears that she has suffered an injury of some kind and may be in need of urgent medical attention.

Yesterday police searches in and around her home on Bishopgate Street, in the Skeldergate area of York, were continuing.

West Yorkshire’s Underwater Search Team was also in action again, scouring the 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.

DCI 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 tall, slim build with shoulder-length dark-brown hair. Anyone with information should contact police on 0845 6060 247.