Police searching for a woman missing from north Shropshire today said she is thought to have got on a train to Birmingham from Shrewsbury.They are urging anyone who was on the 9.26pm service to Birmingham New Street on Tuesday who might have seen Toni Loughlin, 51, to contact them as a matter of urgency.

Mrs Loughlin was last seen heading towards the telephone kiosk in Clive at 7.20pm on Tuesday. She is originally from Brighton, but was visiting relatives in the county.

When she failed to return, her family raised the alarm and a police search was launched, with helicopter, officers on foot and police dogs.

It is thought Mrs Loughlin may have got on a train from Yorton to Shrewsbury, as CCTV shows her on platforms in Shrewsbury just after 8.15pm, returning at 8.50pm and boarding the 9.26pm train.

Inspector Phil Shakesheff, who is leading the inquiry, said: “The service was running a few minutes late, which might help to jog people’s memories.

“We are appealing for anyone who saw her either at the station or on the train itself to call 08457 444888.”

Mrs Loughlin is white, 5ft 9ins tall and of heavy build. She has light brown, straight, shoulder-length hair and was wearing a white lacy top, a white cardigan, black leggings and flip-flops. She was carrying a handbag and a carrier bag containing three umbrellas.