Police searching for a woman missing from a North Shropshire hamlet today said she is thought to have got on a train to Birmingham from Shrewsbury.

They are urging anyone who was on the 9.26pm service to Birmingham New Street on Tuesday(AUG 5) who might have seen Toni Loughlin, 51, to contact them as a matter of urgency.

Mrs Loughlin was last seen by family heading towards the telephone kiosk in Clive at about 7.20pm on Tuesday(AUG 5). She is originally from the Brighton area, but is visiting relatives in the county.

When she failed to return, her family raised the alarm and a police search was launched, which has included the Force helicopter, officers on foot and police dogs.

It is thought Mrs Loughlin may have got on a train from Yorton to Shrewsbury, as CCTV from the station shows her on the platforms in the county town just after 8.15pm.

She then leaves the area for a short while, returning at about 8.50pm and waiting a while, before boarding the 9.26pm service when it arrives.

“The service was running a few minutes late, not leaving until about 9.35pm, which might help to jog people’s memories if they were on the train that night,” said Inspector Phil Shakesheff, who is leading the inquiry.

“Enquiries have established that she got on this train and we are appealing for anyone who saw her either at the station beforehand or on the train itself to please get in touch on 08457 444888 as a matter of urgency.”

Mrs Loughlin is described as white, about 5ft 9in tall and of heavy build. She has light brown, straight, shoulder-length hair and was last seen wearing a white lacy top, a white cardigan over the top, black leggings and brown leather flip-flops.

She was carrying a brown leather handbag and a carrier bag containing three umbrellas.

“I would urge Mrs Loughlin to please call us or go into her nearest police station so we can establish that she is safe and well,” added Inspector Shakesheff.

“Her family is very worried about her, as he disappearance is out of character. If anyone has seen Mrs Loughlin or anyone matching her description, I would urge them to please get in touch with us on 08457 444888.”