Police are searching for a “missing and vulnerable” retired bus conductor with links to Golders Green and Highgate.

Lola Beckford, 85, suffers from severe dementia and medical issues and police have said they are “becoming increasingly concerned” as she has never been missing before.

Mrs Beckford was last seen at her home in Brownswood Road, near Finsbury Park, on Monday May 9 at 10am. She is a retired bus conductor and regularly uses London busses.

She is described as a light skinned black woman around 6ft tall and wears a shoulder length dark brown wig. It is not known what clothing she was wearing at the time of her disappearance.

Detective inspector Paul Ridley, from Hackney CID, said: “I urgently require people to contact my investigation team with any sightings of this lady.

“She has not been seen since Monday when she left her home without trace. We have completed numerous enquiries without gleaning any information as to her potential whereabouts. She may be travelling on the public transport network and could be anywhere in London.

“Lola is very friendly. If seen, please approach, engage her in conversation and call Police immediately so that she can be provided with the critical professional support she requires.

“I can assure you, locating Lola is a top priority for my officers and any information received will be acted upon.”

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Mrs Beckford should call police on 101 quoting reference number 16MIS019387 or Missing People on 116000.