POLICE are extremely concerned for the welfare of a "very vulnerable" Hereford woman who went missing while night.

Suzanne Andrews, who is deaf and has diabetes, was last seen leaving the St Owen's Centre about 6pm yesterday. It is understood that the 42-year-old would have started walking home - a journey of about 30 minutes - but the alarm was raised when she failed to return home.

A full missing persons investigation has now been launched.

A spokesman for West Mercia Police said: "She is very vulnerable.

"Significant policing resources were utilized yesterday evening in an attempt to find Suzanne but she still remains missing.

"Her disappearance is completely out of character. Both police and her carers are anxious to make contact with Suzanne or anyone who has seen her."

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 0300 33330000 as soon as possible.