A missing woman who vanished over a month ago may have come to some harm, police believe.

Margaret Fleming, 36, was last seen by her two carers at her home near Inverkip, Inverclyde, at around 5.40pm on Friday, October 28.

Officers have been carrying out a major search since her disappearance but have so far drawn a blank and she remains missing.

A search of her house on Main Road will now extend into the garden. It will be extensive and involve some excavation work.

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Detectives from the major investigations team have now joined the investigation, although it remains a missing persons case.

Police revealed last month it was an “unusual missing persons case” and Ms Fleming had a “side of her life” which she kept private.

Her home has now been searched and evidence bags removed. The garden and area surrounding the property has also been examined by officers.

It has also been revealed Ms Fleming, who led a very private life, has not been seen in public, apart from by her carers, since December 17, 1999.

Police: Officers from Major Investigations Team join search. STV

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Specialist search teams have been sifting through the house where Ms Fleming is believed to live with her two carers to find any documentation, clothing and personal items that could assist in finding her.

Support from expert resources has been enlisted including air support, dive and marine unit, dog unit and search specialists, who have been combing the Inverkip and wider Inverclyde area.

Apart from her carers, the last independent sighting of Margaret was on 17 December 1999 at a family gathering.

Detective chief inspector Paul Livingstone said: “Apart from her carers, the last independent sighting of Margaret was in 1999.

“This, along with facts such as having no trace of a job, few friends that are contactable and no evidence of her contact with partner agencies and local services has led me to become very concerned for her whereabouts and well-being.

“One line of inquiry that I now must consider is the possibility that Margaret may have come to some harm.”

Investigation: Digging work began on Monday. SWNS

He added: “It’s important that we keep an open mind to all lines of inquiry but the distinct lack of information about Margaret is concerning.

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“However, we cannot rule anything out at this point and officers will continue to follow up enquiries about where Margaret has been. I must stress that this is still a missing person investigation.

“Our search will continue from the house into the grounds around it. This is a natural progression in the inquiry to assist our investigation to find Margaret.”

Police have appealed for anyone with information to contact them.

Mr Livingstone said: “As this goes on, I am still appealing to anyone who may have information about Margaret to help us build a more accurate picture of where she has been and with whom she has been associating over the past 20 years.

“If anyone remembers Margaret from James Watt College in 1996, 1997 or 1998, whether a student or lecturer, please get in touch.

“We have spoken to a friend she met there but we are keen to find out if there is anyone else who may still be in touch with her.”

He added: “Margaret’s carers have said that they believe she has a private side to her life and that she may have friends that they are not aware of.

“We are currently working with very limited information which makes this a challenging investigation.

“If you know or knew Margaret, please get in touch with the investigation team based at Greenock on 101. Any small piece of information may be able to assist us.”