Police are mounting a major search for a missing woman in and around Whitby.

They are checking hotels and guest houses to see if anyone has any information about Julie Gamsby, 59, who has been missing since Saturday. 

Yesterday, a police helicopter, specialist police search teams, police dogs, coastguards and a RNLI lifeboat all combined in a major search of Whitby and the sea around the town. 

Ms Gamsby is said to be in a distressed state and had arrived in Whitby by bus between 10am and 11am on Saturday.  Yesterday, police received news that she may have been seen near the East Pier in Whitby. 

Julie is white, 5ft 3in tall, of medium build, with collar length blonde hair. She has numerous tattoos including flowers on her legs and a barbed wire band around her right upper arm. She usually wears gold dangly earrings, rings on her right hand and several bangle bracelets on each wrist.

Her husband reported her as missing when she failed to return to their home in Neale Street, Ferryhill, County Durham, on Saturday evening.  Police traced her journey to Whitby via Darlington, but have yet to find her. 

Anyone with information that could assist the missing person inquiry is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police immediately on 101, select option 1, and speak to the Force Control Room. Please quote reference number 12170092110.