POLICE in Ayr searching for a woman who has been missing for more than two weeks have held a 'stop and speak' operation with members of the public near to where she was last seen.

Laura Wilkie, 43, was last seen sitting on a bench near the town's Millennium Bridge at around 8.30pm on Monday, December 18.

Officers spoke to motorists and pedestrians in the area on Wednesday, January 3.

Police say Laura was wearing a dark-coloured padded coat with a beige fur-trimmed hood when she was last seen, and another dark-coloured waterproof coat over it.

She was also wearing black leggings, black shoes and carrying a black rucksack.

Police say Laura walks with a distinctive blue cane and is described as 5ft 4ins in height and of slim build with greying, closely cropped hair.

Police Scotland's local area commander, Chief Inspector Kevin Lammie, said: “On Wednesday 3 January, officers spoke to members of the public in the area around Millenium Bridge in case this is an area they visit or pass regularly and they may remember seeing Laura there.

"A number of motorists and pedestrians were spoken to and we will follow up any information gained.

“Laura isn’t known to travel far from home and goes out in the Ayr, Ayr beach and Doonfoot areas.

"We have been carrying out a wide range of searches and enquiries to trace Laura. Local officers, led by specialist search advisors have been assisted by resources including the Air Support Unit and the Dive and Marine Unit.

"Despite these efforts and previous appeals, we have yet to trace her.

“It is completely out of character for Laura not to keep in contact with her family and this is a very upsetting time for them.

"As time passes, we are extremely concerned for Laura’s safety and wellbeing."

Anyone who has seen Laura since December 18 or who has any information about her whereabouts is being urged to contact police as soon as possible by calling 101, quoting incident number 1370 of December 19.