Police today appealed for help to trace a missing 83-year-old woman in Oxford.

Pauline Procter went missing from her son’s home in Chilswell Road sometime between 10.30pm yesterday, when she went to bed, and 9am today when the front door of the house was found open.

She is described as white, about 5ft 7in tall, with white hair and a hunched back. She was wearing blue tracksuit bottoms and uses a walking stick.

Insp Brian Cooper said: “Pauline has recently moved back to the Oxford area from Norfolk, so doesn’t know the city very well.

“It is cold and wet and she is very vulnerable and has possibly been missing for a number of hours as we can’t be sure what time she left her son’s house.

“We believe she may have some money on her, and there is a chance that she is confused and trying to make her way back to the Norfolk area.

“The picture shown here was taken a number of years ago, but is a good facial likeness and I would urge anyone who has seen Pauline to come forward and speak to us immediately.

“Have you seen her walking around your area? Have you seen her getting on a bus or a train? If so, then we want to hear from you.”

Anyone with information about the missing woman should contact Insp Cooper via the 24-hour Thames Valley Police Enquiry Line on 0845 8 505 505.