A MISSING woman may be sleeping outdoors, police have revealed.

Deborah Christie has been missing from Ayr since September 11 and concern is growing over the 55-year-old's whereabouts, particularly with changes in the weather.

She was last seen leaving her home in Victoria Crescent at around 4pm on Tuesday afternoon. She was reported missing to police on Thursday, September 13.

She is white, around 5ft 6 inches in height, with a slim build and shoulder-length dark hair. When last seen, she was wearing light coloured clothing and she walks with the aid of a walking stick.

Extensive enquiries have been carried out and officers have been speaking to family and friends.

The force said it was possible Deborah may be sleeping in the outdoors in one of South Ayrshire’s woodland areas. Officers are asking anyone who uses these area including runners or dog walkers to be aware that she may be outside and to contact police if they think they have seen her.

Inspector Raymond Kerr, of Ayr Police Office, made another appeal.

He said: "We’re aware that Deborah has gone missing before but given the recent inclement weather and the fact that there has been no contact from her, her family and friends are growing increasingly concerned. They just want to know she is safe and well.

“Deborah often walks in woodland areas and it’s possible she may even be sleeping in the outdoors so it’s imperative we locate her and make sure she is all right. I would particularly appeal to anyone in these type of areas to look out for her.”

“I also appeal to Deborah to contact her family or police to let us know she is safe.”

Anyone with any information or knowledge as to Deborah’s whereabouts is asked to contact officers at Ayr Police Station via 101, quoting incident number 2154 of 13 September 2018.