Search Missing York Agoraphobic

Police have intensified their search for a York woman who has not been seen for almost two weeks.

Mandy Bishop, 34, of Bishopgate Street in the Skeldergate area of the city, was reported missing by a family friend on Saturday 3 April.

However it is believed that Mandy, who lives with her 66-year-old mum Valerie Bishop and their four dogs, may have been missing from home since Monday 22 March.

Detective Chief Inspector Helen Taylor, the senior investigating officer, said: "Our concern for Mandy's safety is increasing day by day, particularly as she has not been seen by family or friends for almost two weeks now.

"We are doing everything we can to locate her including searches in the local area and house-to-house enquiries requesting any information that could assist the investigation.

"We have also issued a nation-wide appeal asking if any police forces around the country have come into contact with a woman matching Mandy's description.

"If anyone in York has information that could assist the search for Mandy or have possibly seen her during the past two weeks, then please contact North Yorkshire Police as a matter of urgency."

It has yet to be established what state of mind Mandy was in around the time she is believed to have gone missing.

However, Det Chief Insp Taylor explained that Mandy suffers from agoraphobia and has been virtually house-bound for the last 13 years.

She said: "For Mandy to actually leave the house in the first place is very much out of character. This is more so as she is the sole carer for her mum who is seriously ill with cancer, and she also looks after the family's four dogs."

Mandy's mum Valerie is struggling to cope since Mandy went missing. She is now staying with friends and is receiving support from a police family liaison officer while the efforts to find Mandy continue. It is asked that her privacy is respected during this difficult time.

Det Chief Insp Taylor explained that traces of blood were discovered inside the family home during the police examination of the property.

Tests are being carried out to determine if the blood relates to Mandy, or whether or not it has any significance to the missing person investigation.

"I do know that Mandy has threatened to self-harm in the past, so if the blood is hers then she may be in urgent need of medical attention," said Det Chief Insp Taylor.

Mandy is described white, 5ft tall, slim build with shoulder-length dark-brown hair. It is not known what Mandy was wearing at the time she disappeared.

She has a great interest in animals and may be attracted towards organisations such as the Dogs Trust.

(PR/GK)