A WOMAN who has vanished from her home in Inverkip was last seen almost 17 years ago - outside of the two people who have been caring for her.

Senior detectives today said that they are open to the possibility that foul play could be involved in the disappearance of Margaret Fleming as they being to dig up the garden of her home.

Office also said the last confirmed sighting of Margaret - other than that reported by the couple who have been caring for her at the property in Inverkip - was in December 1999 at a family gathering.

While police in Greenock continue to work extensively to find the 36-year-old, officers from Police Scotland's major investigations team have also been drafted into the investigation.

Specialist search teams have been carefully sifting through the house where Margaret is believed to live with her two carers to find any documentation, clothing and personal items that could assist in tracing her. 

Meanwhile support from expert resources has been enlisted, including air support, diving and marine units, dog branch and search specialists, who have been combing Inverkip and wider Inverclyde area.

The search of the house at Main Road is now extending into the garden.

Police told the Telegraph that the dig will be 'extensive and will involve some excavation work'.

A team of detectives, led by Detective Chief Inspector Paul Livingstone, has been working to find out more about Margaret’s background history. This includes tracing and engaging with family members, friends, her education, employment and any contacts through health and welfare.

Detective Chief Inspector Livingstone said: “Apart from her carers, the last independent sighting of Margaret was on 17 December 1999 at a family gathering.

"This, along with facts such as having no trace of a job, few friends that are contactable and no evidence of her contact with partner agencies and local services has led me to become very concerned for her whereabouts and wellbeing.

“One line of enquiry that I now must consider is the possibility that Margaret may have come to some harm.

"It’s important that we keep an open mind to all lines of enquiry, but the distinct lack of information about Margaret is concerning.

"However, we cannot rule anything out at this point and officers will continue to follow up enquiries about where Margaret has been. I must stress that this is still a missing person investigation.

“Our search will continue from the house into the grounds around it. This is a natural progression in the inquiry to assist our investigation to find Margaret."