A POLICE helicopter was last night called out in the search for a missing mother.

Brighton woman Tiina Proffitt, 50, was last spoken to at midday on Friday, but has not been seen since earlier that day.

Her disappearance is said to be out of character, and police have said she is vulnerable.

Ms Proffitt, who lives in the Fiveways area, is not believed to be carrying a mobile phone, and detectives have issued an appeal for people to keep an eye out for her.

Police scoured the city in search of her, but to no avail.

The force said a police drone and the National Police Air Service helicopter assisted in the search through the night.

Further searches of parks, fields and woodland areas will be carried out today.

Ms Proffitt is white, 5ft 7in, slim, with short blonde hair.

She may have booked into a hotel or boarded a Brighton and Hove bus.

Residents are also being asked to check any sheds or outbuildings in the area.

Detective Inspector Emma Vickers, of Sussex Police, said: “We are becoming increasingly concerned for Tiina as her disappearance is out of character and she is not believed to be in possession of a mobile phone.

"She has had poor health recently and has become depressed.

“Her family are desperate for news and want her home safe and well with them."

Anyone who sees Ms Proffitt should call police on 101 quoting serial 1047 of 17/08.

If you believe it is an emergency, call 999.