Volunteers help search for woman

The search for Gillian Merrick will focus on fields and outbuildings

Groups of volunteers are assisting police in searching for a missing woman from Northamptonshire.

About 50 people are joining officers from Northamptonshire Police in the search for Gillian Merrick, 45, who was last seen late on Thursday.

The search will take place across fields and in outbuildings and sheds in the Oundle area.

Ramblers were asked to keep a lookout for Mrs Merrick, while homeowners were asked to check their properties.

It is thought she was wearing a beige coloured jacket, red scarf and gloves when she went missing.

She is about 5ft 6in tall (1.67m), of slim build, with a fair complexion and collar length brown, straight hair.

Det Ch Insp Andy Cox said: "We are very grateful to have so many volunteers here who are concerned about Gillian Merrick and want to help us find her.

"We are carrying out a painstaking search and would like everyone who lives in the area to check their sheds, outbuildings and anywhere else where she may have taken shelter from the cold."

Police said Mrs Merrick's disappearance was out of character.