A coat has been recovered from the River Exe after a police helicopter spotted it during a search for missing Bicton woman Irene McMullan.

The National Police Air Service, the body that manages police helicopters, tweeted the news yesterday through its Exeter account, the tweet stated: "Crew of aircraft located a coat in the River Exe recovered by @ExmouthRNLI. No trace of female, further on and in-shore searches continue."

Police officers are currently investigating the Exmouth Marina area after reports of a car entering the water nearby and a police helicopter is continuing to search for the missing woman.

A police spokesman has confirmed: "A car has entered the water near Exmouth Marina and we believe this is linked to the missing person Irene McMullan.

"Searches continue to both locate this vehicle and Irene, with support from the NPAS helicopter."

Police are concerned for the welfare of Irene McMullan, aged 54, who went missing from her home address in Bicton, East Budleigh, on Sunday morning (April 7).

She is described as 5'7", slim/medium build, long wiry, dark black hair, wearing a green top, jeans, brown boots and a black coat. She is Irish.

Anyone who sees Irene, or knows of her whereabouts, is asked to contact police on 999 quoting log 199 of Sunday, April 7.