POLICE investigating the disappearance of an Inverclyde woman have said she could have started a new life - and does not want to be found.

Margaret Fleming, 36, was last seen by her carers at her home address on October 28 at 5.40pm the day she disappeared.

No trace of her has been found despite extensive searches - including the excavation of the garden of the property.

Detective chief inspector Paul Livingstone has been leading the search for Ms Fleming, who has not been seen by anyone other than her two carers for 17 years.

On Sunday, DCI Livingstone said he "wasn't ruling anything out," iand Ms Fleming could have started a new life and may not want to be traced.

He told The Sun: "I hold out hope Margaret is staying with somebody and doesn't want to be found.

"This is a UK-wide search. She might have changed her name and have bank acc­ounts or funds in other names, or is staying with someone protecting her.

"As long as we see her safe and well we would respect that. It's not criminal behaviour if someone has been supporting her.

"If she is reading this and is worried she would be taken back to Inverkip, that's not the case. As long as we know she's safe and well, that's what matters."

Searches are continuing at the house, and handwriting experts had been called in to examine documents.