Family's heartfelt plea over missing mum (From Halesowen News)

Family's heartfelt plea over missing mum

12:58pm Monday 6th July 2009

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THE FAMILY of an elderly woman who has been missing from her Oldbury home almost a week have issued a heartfelt appeal for help from the public.

Margaret Elliot, aged 75, (pictured) left an address in Barnford Crescent in the early hours of Sunday 28 June.

The last known sighting of Margaret, who suffers from advanced Alzheimers, was at around 9.15am on Sunday June 28 on Leahouse Road, Oldbury.

A previously reported sighting in Halesowen town centre on June 30 has since been investigated and found not to have been Margaret.

Mrs Elliott’s son, James, spoke of his distress at her disappearance.

He said: “I have never experienced pain and anguish like I have in the last six days.

"I am so desperate for mom to come home safe and sound.

“So far, despite all the efforts of police, family and friends searching around the clock, we are still no closer to finding her.

“I refuse to give up and will continue to search.

"I plead with anyone who may have seen her to contact the police and help us find her.”

James’ sister, Kate, added: “Friends and family miss mom terribly as she is the kindest and most caring lady.

“She is a wonderful mother who has always had time for others and is well known, thought of and loved.

"We are so desperate for anyone who has seen her to report it to the police so we can find her as soon as possible.”

Margaret is described as white, of slim build, 5ft 5ins tall with short white hair. She was last seen wearing a beige cardigan, blue trousers and carrying a black handbag.

Margaret does not have her medication with her and police are extremely concerned for her welfare.

Detective Inspector Gary Dring from Smethwick police station said: "Both police and Mrs Elliott’s family have grave concerns for her safety, which grows with each passing day.

“We are treating her disappearance as a missing person inquiry and we believe that Margaret may be wandering around lost, anxious and confused.

“Time is of the essence, with significant concerns for Margaret's health and wellbeing and we would urge people to be especially vigilant when out and about and to contact police with any information or sightings.”

Police are continuing to conduct searches around the local area, make house to house enquiries, study CCTV and distribute posters in a bid to trace Margaret.

Anyone who knows of her whereabouts is urged to call Smethwick police station on 0845 113 5000.

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