THE intensive search for missing Devizes woman Victoria Clements has so far drawn a blank as concerns increase for her safety and wellbeing.

Police officers are growing increasingly concerned for the welfare of the 53-year-old diabetic who went missing from Devizes on Wednesday lunchtime last week.

Victoria was last seen on foot in the Marshall Road area of the town and, despite extensive searches by the police, assisted by Wiltshire Search and Rescue, at various rural locations, she remains missing.

Officers believe she may be sleeping rough and potentially walking in rural areas or along the Kennet & Avon Canal towpath.

Her family have urged anyone who believes they may have seen her in recent days to call the police.

Inspector Gavin Brewster said: “There are a number of factors which make Victoria vulnerable and mean that we are increasingly concerned for her safety and wellbeing.

“One of these is that she has a diabetes, which means she needs regular medication and without access to this she will become very unwell.

“We are thankful to everyone who has shared our appeals so far and we know that people locally have been helping in every way they can.

“However, we are now coming up to a week since Victoria was last seen, and it is incredibly important that we locate her as soon as possible.”

A coordinated police search has searched various rural locations near Devizes, including Coate, but has so far failed to find her.

Victoria is described as white, around 5ft 4ins to 5ft 5ins tall, and of small build. She has shoulder-length, brown hair and was last seen wearing a brown jacket, grey jeans and walking boots. She was carrying a blue bag with a butterfly logo.

Detective Inspector Eirin Martin said: “We’re very concerned about the welfare of Victoria and we would like to find her as soon as possible to ensure she is safe and well.

“I would ask members of the public to help by checking their back gardens, any sheds or outbuildings for signs of anyone having recently been there - this could include discarded food or wrappers, bedding material or footprints.

“If you think you may have seen Victoria or you’ve got any information which could help us find her, please contact us as a matter of urgency.”

If you think you’ve seen someone matching Victoria’s description in the Devizes area, call police on 999 quoting reference 54210092699.