Missing woman did not leave home for 13 years

POLICE hunting a missing York woman revealed yesterday that she had threatened to harm herself and had not ventured out of her home for 13 years before disappearing a fortnight ago.

North Yorkshire Police said they had grave concerns for the welfare of Mandy Bishop, who suffers from agoraphobia, the fear of open spaces, which has prevented her from leaving the house she shares with her mother, Valerie.

Miss Bishop, 34, is the full-time carer for her mother, who is seriously ill with cancer, at the house they share along with four dogs, overlooking York's medieval bar walls.

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Det Chief Insp Helen Taylor confirmed yesterday that traces of blood were found at the terrace house, prompting fears Miss Bishop had followed through with her previous threats to self-harm.

A nationwide appeal has been made to police forces for information, and house-to-house inquiries are continuing in the Skeldergate area of York.

Det Chief Insp Taylor said: "Our concern for Mandy's safety is increasing day by day, particularly as she has not been seen by family or friends for almost two weeks now.

"If anyone in York has information that could assist the search or have possibly seen her during the past two weeks, then please contact North Yorkshire Police as a matter of urgency."

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A family friend reported Miss Bishop's disappearance to police at 1pm on Saturday although officers believe she may have gone missing on Monday, March 22.

Miss Bishop's mother, 66, is said to be distraught about her daughter's disappearance.