River search continues as bloodstains confirmed as being missing woman's

Miss Bishop, 34, suffers from agoraphobia and was virtually housebound for 13 years before she went missing from the home she shares with her mother, Valerie, a fortnight ago.

She had threatened to harm herself before she disappeared and following the confirmation that the blood found at her terraced home in Bishopgate Street belongs to her, fears are growing for Miss Bishop's safety.

Detective Chief Inspector Helen Taylor, the senior investigating officer in the case, said: "We are deeply concerned for Mandy's safety, and our concern has increased even further today now that we believe the blood that was found in the house belongs to her.

"Although Mandy has threatened self-harm in the past, we still very much believe her disappearance is out of character.

"Mandy is also the sole carer for her seriously ill mother Valerie, and, as a big animal lover, she also looks after their four dogs."

Police say they want to hear from anyone who noticed any deliveries being made in the Bishopgate Street area between 1pm and 1.30pm on March 22.

Officers are continuing with house-to-house inquiries, and underwater searches of the River Ouse between Skeldergate Bridge and Naburn Locks are planned to resume today.

Miss Bishop is white, 5ft, slim, with shoulder-length dark-brown hair.

It is not known what she was wearing at the time she disappeared.

She has a great interest in animals and may be attracted towards organisations such as the Dogs Trust.

Anyone with any information can contact North Yorkshire Police on 0845 60 60 24 7.