The last confirmed sighting of Elaine Taggart, a mother of two aged 48, was on January 3.

Her red Fiat Punto was found in Goring Street, off Goring Way, a short distance from Goring Railway Station and five minutes from her home, on January 4.

Police were this morning (Friday, February 22) in the area around the railway station handing out flyers with Mrs Taggart's photograph.

Mrs Taggart, who works as catering finance manager for Chartwells at Brighton College, is described as white, 5ft 6in, medium build with dark brown hair.

Detective chief inspector Adam Hibbert, of the Sussex Police major crime branch, is leading the search for Mrs Taggart.

He said: "As the days and weeks go by, everyone is becoming increasingly concerned for her, as there is no trace of her anywhere since early January.

"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 know that she is safe and well."

Anyone who knows where she 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.