A SEARCH for missing Lindsay Birbeck is taking place tonight.

There has been no trace of the 47-year-old since she was last seen on CCTV walking along Burnley Road, Accrington, at around 4.30pm on August 12.

Several searches by police have taken place and a mass community search took place yesterday evening, with hundreds of people involved.

Another search is set to start tonight at 6pm, which will cover The Coppice and the surrounding areas.

A Facebook group has been set up to structure the search for Ms Birbeck called "Lindsay's Search" and has gained more than 13,000 members in a matter of days.

Katei Blezard, who has co-ordinated the group, said: "We will be starting from Avenue Parade and searching The Coppice.

"We are working with the police on these searches.

"There was around 220 people at last night's one and we hope for a good turnout tonight.

"We ask everyone to wear appropriate clothing, only go out in groups, have phones fully charged and let people know where you're going.

"We also ask for children to not attend the searches, given the nature of the search."

Ms Blezard said the community has been supportive and several printing businesses have donated thousands of leaflets.

Leaflets are set to be handed out at Accrington Stanley's match tonight from 5.15pm and an appeal will be posted on the stadium screen.

Searches to find the Huncoat teaching assistant have intensified, with specialist divers searching lodges close to where she was last seen.

Detective chief inspector Allen Davies said: “I am very thankful to the community.

"But we want to make sure that the public are helping out in a safe way.

"I would request that they carry out any searches in partnership with ourselves and the specially trained search officers to ensure their safety and to coordinate our searches."