Police searching for missing Royston author Helen Bailey have released images of her dog in the hope it may lead to information on her whereabouts.

Helen, aged 51, was reported missing to police last Friday, having been last seen four days earlier.

It was believed that Helen may have left the property with her dog – a brown miniature Dachshund named Boris – which has also not been seen since.

Police have previously been told that Helen was seen walking Boris, who is micro-chipped, near her home last Monday afternoon.

North Herts Chief Insp Julie Wheatley said: “We are hoping that releasing photos of Boris may help jog people’s memories if they have come across Helen with him since she was last seen.

“We do not know if Helen and Boris are still together so we are asking anyone who thinks they may have come across him to please contact police. Any information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, could greatly assist our investigation.”

Officers have received reports that a woman matching Helen’s description was seen in Baldock by a truck driver last Tuesday morning.

Further enquiries have now established this sighting was actually in nearby Hatch Lane, Weston and the woman, who was wearing a long green wax jacket, did not have a dog with her. Specialist officers are carrying out searches of the area today.

Chief Insp Wheatley continued: “Whilst we cannot be certain this lady was Helen, we will of course follow up any potential lead which may assist us in finding her.

“I would like to thank members of the public and the media for their continued support in our search for Helen and urge anyone with any information on her whereabouts to please get in touch.”

Helen has connections to Kent, Northumbria and London.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 straight away.