POLICE concerned for the safety of a 40-year-old woman who is missing from home with her two young children have issued a nationwide appeal.

Asha Lees and her two daughters, seven-year-old Francesca and four-year-old Eloise, were last seen at their home address in Ashby Folville near Melton at 12 noon on Wednesday August 1.

They were reported missing by a family member on Saturday, August 4.

Police are urging Ms Lees to make contact to let them know that she and her daughters are safe and well. They are also appealing for the public's help to locate them.

Det Ch Insp Phil Smith, who is leading the investigation, he said: “We are aware that Asha, Francesca and Eloise have spent some time in Mablethorpe in the past month and believe they may have returned to the area.

"Despite following up a number of lines of enquiry in the county and surrounding Force areas we have not been able to trace Asha and the girls.

”We believe Asha may be driving a and I would urge anyone who recognises the car and has seen it either being driven or parked in their area to contact us immediately.

Ms Lees is described as dark European in appearance, approximately 5ft 6in tall, of heavy build with brown straight shoulder-length hair and hazel eyes. She wears glasses.

Seven-year-old Francesca, is described as approximately 4ft 6in tall, of slim build and has straight, shoulder-length, light brown hair with hazel eyes. Four-year-old Eloise is around 4ft tall, of slim build and has straight, collar-length, mousy brown hair with blue eyes.

Anyone who thinks they may have seen them or perhaps knows where they are, is asked to contact Leicestershire Constabulary immediately on 0116 222 2222. or the charity missing people, which if free* and confidential, on 0500 700 700.

* Please note, some mobile ‘phone service providers may charge for this call.