Douglas Hassell travelled from his home at the Royal Hospital, in Chelsea, to Littlehampton Police Station today (Monday, February 25) for a press conference to appeal to his missing daughter, 48-year-old Elaine Taggart, to come home.

Mr Hassell, who lived with Mrs Taggart and her family in Ferring for three years before moving to London 14 months ago, said to the TV and news reporters present: "If my daughter Elaine is watching this will she please contact the police and let them know she is alright.

"We are all very worried about her and we need to know she is safe and well. If anyone knows where she is, please contact the police on 0845 6070999 and ask to speak to the Operation Gordon team."

Mr Hassell, a former Bombardier in the Royal Artillery who was a prisoner of war in Saigon for more than three years, said it was very uncharacteristic for his daughter to disappear.

He said: "She left our house with her sister when she was five or six but was back within five minutes."

As well as appealing for her to get in touch, Mr Hassell also wanted to let his daughter know her beloved Jack Russell, Scoots, had died last weekend.

The last confirmed sighting of Mrs Taggart was on January 3. It was revealed at the press conference that her husband Andy had initially believed she had left home because their marriage had broken down. But concerns have grown as she has not been seen since.

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

Mrs Taggart has made no contact with her family, including her two children, Daniel 13, and Sophie, 11.

Detective chief inspector Adam Hibbert, who is leading the search for Mrs Taggart, said: "As the days and weeks go by, everyone is becoming increasingly concerned for her as there is no trace of her anywhere since 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 she is safe and well. I am grateful to Mr Hassell for coming down to be with us today. It shows just how concerned her family are."

DCI Hibbert would not reveal if Mrs Taggart's bank account had been used since she disappeared.

He also read an appeal from her husband Andy. In it he said: "Please make contact so we know you are well. No matter what has happened we will sort it out. We miss you. Please make contact with someone so me and the kids know you are well."

Click the green button to the right to see the video of the press conference.

Anyone who knows where Mrs Taggart is, or who has any information, is asked to call Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999 quoting Operation Gordon.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or the charity Missing People on 0500 700 700.