Detectives may consider a TV appeal to help find a missing woman, it was revealed today. Police are growing increasingly concerned for the safety of Lorraine Freeman who disappeared from her home a month ago.

Det Insp Terry Geraghty believes a piece on the National Missing Person's Bureau's television programme could prove vital.

Lorraine lived in Haberden Court, Wingrove Drive, Purfleet, Mr Geraghty said: ''The helpline has already put up posters in Purfleet and East Ham where she was last seen but we may have to look at putting it on TV if our inquiries continue to draw a blank.

"It's a month now since she was last seen and although we have no reason to think anything has happened to her, we are becoming more anxious as there has been no news of her.

"We believe that for her to go missing is out of character. There is no suggestion that she has left the country.

"Inquiries are continuing at a reasonably high level.''

Thirty-six-year-old Lorraine was reported missing by boyfriend Philip Dowdall when he returned home from a 10-day trip to Ireland.

The couple have been together for eight years and moved from East Ham a few weeks ago.

Lorraine is unemployed, has a Scottish accent and is described as white, 5ft 1ins, with dark brown hair.

Anyone with information can call the National Missing Persons' helpline on 0500 700 700, or Grays Police on 01375 391212.

Calls are treated in the strictest confidence.

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