The 11-year-old daughter of a missing woman has made a heartfelt plea for her mother to come home.

Sophie Taggart made the appeal in an open letter urging her mother Elaine, 48, to return.

She vanished from her home in Ferring, near Worthing, in January leaving Sophie, son Daniel 14, and husband Andy behind.

Sophie's letter read: "Dear Mum, If you hear this letter please phone someone and tell them you are Okay because I am worried because you haven't phoned us or come home in a long time. Love Sophie."

Appeals have previously been made by Elaine's 90-year-old father, Chelsea Pensioner Douglas Hassall.

Her red Fiat Punto was found abandoned in Goring Street, Goring, Worthing, on January 4.

Detective Chief Inspector Adam Hibbert, who is leading the hunt for Mrs Taggart, said: "If she does not want people to know where she is, then we will respect her wishes. But we do urgently need to be reassured she is safe."

Anyone with information about Mrs Taggart is asked to call Sussex Police on 0845 6070999.