POLICE yesterday stepped up their operation to trace vulnerable Inverkip woman Margaret Fleming  almost four weeks since she disappeared.

Officers took to the streets of Inverkip and Wemyss Bay to ask residents if they knew the 36-year-old and when they last saw her.

Despite numerous appeals and searches by specialist police teams, including the mounted unit, divers and dog branch, there has been no trace of Margaret.

Chief Inspector Elliot Brown, area commander for the area, launched yesterday’s ‘stop and speak’ exercise outside Sainsbury’s in Inverkip.
He said:”We’re out speaking to local people in the area to help jog their memories and to try and glean more information which might assist with our inquiries.

“We also have some officers travelling over to Port Bannatyne on the ferry from Wemyss Bay, as we understand Margaret liked to visit there, to see if anyone over there may have seen her recently.

“We’re continuing significant inquiries into the disappearance of Margaret, and unfortunately despite our previous appeals, the sightings we’ve received from members of the public have drawn a blank.

“I would like to thank the local communities of Inverkip and beyond for their help so far, we do appreciate it. As we continue to look into Margaret’s life, some of which she kept private, we are keen to speak to anyone who may have had any friendship or relationship with her over the years.”

Police have been in contact with Margaret’s mother, who lives outwith the area, friends and carers in a bid to find out as much as they can about her.

Margaret, 36, who has a degree of learning difficulties, was last seen by her carers at her home at 5.40pm on October 28 and, as the days and weeks go by, concerns are growing for her safety.

Chief Inspector Brown, who has been in the police force for 26 years, said: “This has been one of the most challenging missing person inquiries of my career because of Margaret’s secluded lifestyle.

“It is four weeks since Margaret was last seen at her house and this is the fourth appeal. We are trying to keep Margaret fresh in the minds of local people.

“We are concerned for her welfare.

“It has been inclement weather lately, although she is fit and able to move around.”

Officers armed with questionnaires were deployed around Inverkip Primary School and the train station, at Wemyss Bay Primary and the ferry terminal in a bid to reach as many people in the area as possible.

When asked if the inquiry had ruled out ‘foul play’ in relation to Margaret’s disappearance, Ch Insp Brown said: “We are keeping an open mind, we are looking at every bit of evidence and every bit of information that is coming in. 

“It is still very much a missing person’s inquiry and we are using all the resources of Police Scotland to try to find Margaret safe.

“We are not treating Margaret’s disappearance as suspicious.”

Officers have been carrying out an extensive search of Margaret’s house on the village main street as part of the inquiry.

Chief Inspector Brown said: “This is still ongoing.

“Margaret led a very private life and we are looking for any clue or information that would help us, so we are looking for any documents, letters, mobile phones and we will continue to do that diligently.”

Inverkip resident Jane Cox, 59, who stopped to speak to police during yesterday’s operation, told the Telegraph: “Everyone who lives in the village feels quite sad about it.

“I know a bunch of local guys offered their services to police to help with the search but police said they had specialist teams.”

Local man Graham Hunter, 72, said: “Nobody knows the woman down at the bottom end of the village.

“It’s a complete mystery. It’s sad.”

When last seen, Margaret was said to be wearing a green-coloured tartan fleece or jumper, dark coloured jeans or trousers, wearing ‘Karrimor’ type boots which were dark in colour. 

She also had a satchel-type handbag. 

Chief Inspector Brown said: “I would ask anyone with any information, no matter how irrelevant it might seem, to contact police at Greenock via 101.”