Despite her son Daniel turning 14 on Tuesday (March 4) and a public appeal by her 90-year-old Chelsea pensioner father, Douglas Hassell, the family of 48-year-old Elaine Taggart have not seen or heard from her since she disappeared on January 3.

Mrs Taggart also missed Mother's Day on Sunday, March 2.
Detective Chief Inspector Adam Hibbert, who is leading Operation Gordon, the search for Mrs Taggart, revealed police are becoming increasingly concerned.

He said: "It is completely out of character for Mrs Taggart not to be in touch with her two children on Mother's Day, and to miss Daniel's birthday is extraordinary. There has been no trace of her now since early January, and we have to be increasingly concerned that she may have come to harm."

Elaine Taggart has not been seen at her home in Ferring village since early January. She has not reported for work as a catering finance manager for Chartwells at Brighton College since January 3.

Her red Fiat Punto, index no N988 YJB, was found in Goring Street, off Goring Way, a short distance from Goring railway station and five minutes' drive from her home, on January 4
She is described as white, 5 ft 6in, medium build with dark brown hair.

Mr Hibbert said: "If Mrs Taggart does not wish her family or friends to know where she is, then we will respect her wishes. But we do urgently need to be reassured that she is safe."

Anyone who knows where she Elaine Taggart is, or who has any information, is asked to call Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999 quoting Operation Gordon. Alternatively they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or the charity Missing People on 0500 700 700.