COPS have launched a major search for a missing woman who was dealing with personal issues after she vanished from a hospital.

Linda Cairney, 52, who stays in the Prestwick area, was last seen leaving Woodlands View Hospital in Irvine at around 3.55 pm on Friday.

However, officers trying to trace her have since found CCTV footage of her in a sports shop on Portland Street in Kilmarnock around 5.15 pm yesterday evening. They also believe she was in a shop on West Woodstock Street at the junction of North Hamilton Street, Kilmarnock around 6.20 am this morning.

She is described as being about 5 ft 4 inches, of slim build and has distinctive greying shoulder length hair. When she was last seen, she was wearing a silver coloured puffa-style jacket with blue jogging trousers.

Officers have been checking CCTV and speaking to those who know her in an attempt to trace her.

Inspector Andy Dolan, Irvine Police Office, said: “Police officers have been following various lines of enquiry in a bid to trace Linda and now know she was in the Kilmarnock area this morning.

“We also have reason to believe that she may be trying to travel to Glasgow.

“Linda has been dealing with some personal issues lately and therefore it is vital we find her as quickly as possible.

“We would appeal to anyone who has seen anyone matching her description, or knows of her whereabouts to come forward and contact us.

“We would also appeal for Linda herself to get in touch with her family, friends or the Police to let us know she is okay.”

Anyone with any information should contact Irvine Police Office via 101, quoting incident number 3096 of Friday 23 February 2018. Alternatively you can contact CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.