A mother being hunted by anxious relatives and police has been tracked down to a London hospital.

Melissa Brandon, 31, from Chatham, went missing on Monday afternoon while in Maidstone Hospital.

It was later learned she had gone home, but left there the following evening.

The alarm was raised by her family when letters and a text message from her was found.

The police issued an appeal on Wednesday afternoon for help to track her down as the police helicopter and a coastguard boat searched the banks of the River Medway between Rochester and Chatham.

But, unknown to anyone, she was in London already getting medical help.

A passser-by had found her distressed on a street in the capital.

Mrs Brandon’s mother and brother raced up to Gillingham this morning from Southampton to talk to police officers.

Shortly before they arrived, news came in that she had been located.

Thanking the media and public for their help, a Medway Police spokesman said: "She is fine, safe and sound."

Melissa’s mother, Anita Muir, said: "The police have been exceptional. I intend to send a letter of thanks especially about one of the officers – Lee Thompson, a lovely gentleman who did everything possible to help."