THE search for a missing Purfleet woman was expanded into the Stanford-le-Hope area last night (Thursday, 11 February).

As reported on Thurrock Nub News police are concerned about the safety of Cornelia Maruna who was last seen yesterday morning in Basildon.

She is described as being around 5ft 2ins tall, with shoulder length dark hair and was last seen wearing a black coat and carrying a colourful backpack.

Initially police were linking her to possibly being in the Horndon on the Hill area but then announced: "We have information to suggest Cornelia could be, or has been in the Stanford-le-Hope area.

"We are asking the local community in this area to please check their gardens and outbuildings.

If you have any information, please contact us immediately on 101.

"Alternatively, between 7am - 11pm you can send a message to an online operator via Live Chat. You just need to visit www.essex.police.uk and click on the 'Live Chat' button at the bottom right of the page.