A WOMAN has gone missing in a completely out of character disappearance sparking a widespread police search.

Fatima Mohamed-Ali, 52, was last seen on Friday morning before leaving her house in Park Drive Close, Newhaven, on foot.

She left behind her handbag and other personal items and Sussex Police have said they are very concerned for her welfare.

Detective Inspector Gavin Patch said the force has had one reported sighting which they are "seeking to corroborate" and today renewed calls for information or sightings.

Helicopter searches were deployed along with volunteer search and rescue teams who scoured the Newhaven area searching for Mrs Mohamed-Ali. 

Officers described her disappearance as "completely out of character".

Mrs Mohamed-Ali is Indian, 5 ft 2 in, of slim build with shoulder-length black hair worn in a ponytail and is likely to be wearing traditional Indian dress.

Inspector Dan Eagle said: "Fatima's family are understandably very worried about her and we have launched a full search for her in the Newhaven area, supported by volunteers from Sussex Search and Rescue.

"If you have seen her at any time since Friday morning, please let us know immediately by calling 101 quoting serial 946 of 12/02. If you see her, please dial 999 immediately."