POLICE have revealed that the search and dig at the home of missing Margaret Fleming extended more than 500 metres into the River Clyde and nearby woodland.

Detective Inspector Paul Livingstone, who is leading the major inquiry, told of how thorough the now-completed examination at the Inverkip property has been as he renewed an appeal for witnesses to come forward.

The Telegraph told exclusively on Thursday — the eve of the six-month anniversary of the investigation — that leads have pointed detectives in the direction of extended family in America as efforts are also made to trace every Margaret Fleming in the UK.

DCI Livingstone said: “The search we’ve carried out in the house and the grounds extended over 500 metres of the house, into nearby water and woodland.

“The search has now finished but was intensive and methodical and the area searched in the garden alone was around half a hectare, which is a huge area.”

Vulnerable Margaret, 37 — who is believed to have learning difficulties — was reported missing by her carers, Edward Cairney, 75, and Avril Jones, 56, on October 28 last year.

However, the last independent sighting of the missing woman — who hails from Port Glasgow — was nearly 18 years ago, at a family gathering in December 1999.

DCI Livingstone said: “Whilst we are keeping an open mind — her carers state that Margaret has a private side to her life, possibly having friends that they are not aware of — we cannot rule out the possibility that she has come to harm in some way.

“By this I mean that she could have had an accident, possibly wanted to be missing or even something more sinister.”

He added: “We remain in contact with Margaret’s mother, who understandably is shocked and distressed at her disappearance. Her carers have been assisting us with our enquiries, and the strength of feeling and support from local residents in the Inverkip area has been welcomed.

“A key focus for me is to speak to anyone who may have been in the house in Inverkip. Whether you have taken a delivery there, cold-called for a charity, picked anyone up in a taxi or visited for social reasons, I need you to get in touch with us.

“Margaret is still being considered a missing person and I would reiterate my appeal to anyone who may have known Margaret from 1999 until now, and knew she had been living at the house in Inverkip to get in touch.

The key to finding Margaret is through people coming forward with information about her.”

Margaret is described as around 5ft 5in in height, of heavy build with collar length black hair and brown eyes.

When last seen, she was 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. 

If you can help with the investigation contact police on the 101 number.