THE FAMILY of an elderly and vulnerable woman suffering from dementia have issued a desperate plea to find her, after she disappeared at the weekend.

Concern is growing for the welfare of 72-year-old Joan Doherty, who was last seen by family at her home in Allt-Yr-Yn Court, Newport, at around 7pm on Saturday.

She was seen on Sunday, around 2pm, but not since, despite efforts to find her by police.

And with the freezing temperatures, there are fears she may not even have a coat with her.

Ms Doherty’s son Richard said the family cannot help “thinking of the worst”, but added they will not give up hope.

“We will never give up hope until someone gives us some news,” he said.

“She could be in someone’s house as far as we know, or she could be in a hospital.

“We just do not know where she is.”

Ms Doherty was seen by a neighbour walking back to her house on Sunday, but the power on a telephone system which connects Ms Doherty to her carers was cut off at 2.36pm that afternoon, and her family believes this was the last time she was at home.

A police helicopter and dog handlers have sine searched nearby woodlands and paths, whilst an appeal on Facebook has been shared more than 7,000 times and reached around 74,000 people.

Search parties made up of family, friends, and strangers who have seen the appeal, have also been out looking in St Julian’s,where Ms Doherty used to live.

Her other son, Matthew, said: “People would see her as she is easy to spot and she is not wearing appropriate clothing.

“We do not think she is wearing a coat as they are all at home. Despite the fact that everyone knows she is missing and has seen her face in the appeal there has been no sighting of her at all since Sunday.

“A sighting would be a relief to know she is alright.

“That is the suspicious thing, that no one has seen her.”

The family wished to thank all those who have helped their appeal and said they have been ‘overwhelmed’ by the public response.

They are urging people to keep their eyes open and report any possible sightings.

Gwent Police also re-appealed for help to find Ms Doherty yesterday.

A spokeswoman for the force said: “Officers are becoming increasing concerned for Joan’s welfare due to the poor weather conditions.

“Joan suffers with dementia and is described as 5ft 5inches tall, of slim build with grey hair. Her clothing is unknown at this time.”

Call 101, quoting log number 433 of 10/12/2017.