Serious crime detectives have been called in to search for a missing woman.

The development comes as a close friend recounted her last conversation with the mum-of-two.

Officers say they are "increasingly concerned" about Alexandra Morgan, 34, who was last seen filling her white Mini Cooper up at a Shell garage in Sissinghurst at 7.20am on Remembrance Sunday.

In an interview with the BBC Chief Inspector Lizzie Jones said: "She hasn't seen her children or made contact with them in nine days. That is completely out of character.

"In fact we are so concerned that Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate are leading on the investigation."

Smartly-dressed Ms Morgan told staff about needing to make a trip to Yorkshire but explained her car was in need of a repair.

Rose McAuley, who manages the petrol station and has known Ms Morgan for 14 years, said she had a normal conversation with her that morning, they laughed about her tripping over a wet floor sign and she left to carry on her business as normal.

Officers say they know her car made trips between her home and Hastings between Sunday, November 14 and Monday, November 15.

Yesterday they issued a new CCTV image in a bid to locate her as well as a photo of the car with the registration number MF55 YHM has also been issued by officers.

A short clip from a Shell garage near Cranbrook and Sissinghurst showed the mum, dressed in a green coat, jeans and black boots filling up her car before walking up to the till and pay for two drinks.

Det Ch Insp Neil Kimber, previously said: "We are becoming increasingly concerned for Alexandra’s welfare. She has two children and it is completely out of character for her not to contact them.

"Anybody who has seen her or knows where she might be is urged to contact the appeal line."

He said: "We are also asking members of the public to call us if they see her white Mini."

"Her car remains key to establishing her whereabouts and making sure she is safe."

Miss Morgan is around 5ft 6in, slim, with brown shoulder-length hair.

She was last seen wearing a green quilted knee-length coat, a black top and ripped blue jeans. She was also wearing knee-high black boots and a silver necklace.

Anybody who sees Alexandra or her car is urged to contact Kent Police on 101 quoting reference number 18-0280.

If you have other information, CCTV or dashcam footage that may be able to assist our officers, please upload to the Major Incident Public Portal here.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.