River search continues as bloodstains confirmed as being missing woman's

BLOODSTAINS found at the homes of missing York woman Mandy Bishop were confirmed by police as her own last night, as underwater officers continue to search the River Ouse.

Miss Bishop, 34, suffers from agoraphobia and was virtually housebound for 13 years before she went missing from the home she shares with her mother, Valerie, a fortnight ago.

She had threatened to harm herself before she disappeared and following the confirmation that the blood found at her terraced home in Bishopgate Street belongs to her, fears are growing for Miss Bishop's safety.

Detective Chief Inspector Helen Taylor, the senior investigating officer in the case, said: "We are deeply concerned for Mandy's safety, and our concern has increased even further today now that we believe the blood that was found in the house belongs to her.

"Although Mandy has threatened self-harm in the past, we still very much believe her disappearance is out of character.