Police are continuing to search the Clent Hills for clues to the whereabouts of a grandmother who has been missing for seven days.

Post office assistant Christine Fletcher, aged 57, was last seen by her husband David leaving for work.

Up to 50 officers and police dogs have been combing the hills near the spot where her Ford Escort was discovered abandoned by a car park last Wednesday evening.

An initial search of an area known locally as The Dingle was carried out between 5.30pm and 7pm last night, involving around a dozen officers, following an unconfirmed sighting of Mrs Fletcher.

Acting Det Insp Barbara Dale, from Halesowen police station, said: “It is a densely wooded area and can be dangerous in parts.

“We are reviewing the search and still treating Mrs Fletcher as a missing person.”

Detectives said there had been an earlier unconfirmed sighting near Hagley Hill barns, Hagley Road just hours after Mrs Fletcher left home on August 25.

Police helicopters have been flying over the National Trust site and posters with Mrs Fletcher’s photograph on have been put up along the footpaths.

Officers have also been searching near her home in Austrey Road, Kingswinford as well as tracing her route to work at Granville Drive post office, where she failed to turn up for her shift.

Police believe there is “no known motive” for the grandmother-of-five’s disappearance and are appealing for information.

People can call Halesowen police station on 0845 113 5000 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.

Mr Fletcher, aged 59, said: “I am still hopeful of getting her back. We are just clutching at straws.”