Missing Ruth Smith: Police now 'desperately concerned' after Aldridge walker's disappearance

Ruth Smith is well known in Aldridge but has not been seen since leaving her home on the morning of April 15 at around 10.20am.

Police are appealing to the public for help in finding Ruth, who they say is 'a woman of routine' and had been regularly seen in and around the village particularly at the library and The Croft prior to her disappearance.

She is also a keen walker, who crosses fields near to Longwood Road, Aldridge Cricket Club, Aldridge Airport, Walsall Arboretum and Hobs Hole Lane.

At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing a thin black coat and had two carrier bags containing items of clothing.

Detective Inspector Jackie Nicholson, from Walsall police station, said: "We have little in way of sightings on the 15th.

"I am keen to hear from anyone who may have seen or spoken to Ruth on the day she vanished.

"I also want to encourage people to report any clothing or areas of possible rough sleepers within these locations to come forward, because this could be the key to understanding her whereabouts and finding her.

"Ruth has never been missing before and we are desperately concerned.

"I want to thank everyone who is sharing our appeal locally, we do really appreciate it."

Posters have been put up around the town in the hope that someone recognises her and knows where she is.

She is described as 5ft 1ins tall, with straight shoulder-length brown hair, of slim build, with glasses.

Information can be given to police by calling 101 or via the charity Missing People on 116 000.