Desperate search for woman, 45, who vanished after getting into a taxi more than five weeks ago

Police have issued an urgent appeal to find a woman who vanished six weeks ago after getting into a taxi.

Melanie Kett, 45, from Thornaby-on-Tees, Teesside, has not been seen since Wednesday, January 7, when she took a taxi to Middlesbrough.

Investigators say there has been “intermittent” communication with her relatives but no one has seen her and concerns are growing for her welfare.

She has now been missing for over five weeks and police state they need to ensure Melanie is well and in a safe place.

In an online appeal, shared nearly 1,000 times on Facebook, Cleveland Police posted: “Have you seen missing Melanie?

“Melanie Kett, 45, from Thornaby, was last seen on Wednesday, January 7, on Field Close in Thornaby, when she got in a taxi to the Middlesbrough area.

“While there is believed to have been intermittent communication with family, Melanie has not been seen and officers need to ascertain that she is safe and well.

“Police are appealing for Melanie to get in touch directly, or for anyone who sees her or knows where she may be, to call 101 quoting reference SE26023259.”