Police have appointed a search officer as they ramp up efforts to locate missing senior Janet Nicklaus.

Ms Nicklaus, 70, who is Bermudian, was described as being 5ft 10in tall, of medium build and dark complexion, with short, dark brown, curly hair.

Appealing for the public’s help, Detective Chief Inspector Jason Smith said Ms Nicklaus was last seen in the Heron Bay MarketPlace area at about 11pm on Friday.

“At the time, she was reported to have been wearing a blue nightdress and some slippers,” Mr Smith said.

He said many residents would be familiar with the woman, who served an educator for some 25 to 30 years, and has been involved in community initiatives.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Ms Nicklaus is asked to contact the police on 295-0011.

Mr Smith said the police received earlier reports about the woman’s whereabouts on Friday.

She was spotted at about 5pm on Friday in the area of Rose Hill and Middle Road in Southampton.

She was also seen that day at about 8am in Southampton, walking west on Middle Road near the junction with Whale Bay Road, wearing a light blue or grey, knee-length dress.

He said the police made initial enquiries to establish additional facts about the woman’s whereabouts with the assistance of her family.

“Today, 48 hours has passed, and although we are not treating her missing as suspicious, it is concerning,” Mr Smith said.

“It is concerning for a number of reasons. One, she is an elderly lady of 70 years of age. She is what we consider a vulnerable person given her current medical state.”

He said the fact that no one has seen Ms Nicklaus raises concerns about her safety.

Search efforts increased yesterday afternoon and continued late into the night and this morning, he added.

“We have now appointed a search officer who is specifically trained in these matters to conduct searches to try to locate her,” he said.

The police have deployed extra resources, including a K9 dog, extra personnel and the Coastguard patrol.

Residents have joined in the search using of drones.

Mr Smith said the police had also conducted house-to-house checks.

The police thanked members of the public who assisted with information as well as joining the search.

The Ministry of National Security today joined the appeal, urging residents in Southampton, Sandys and Warwick to thoroughly check their backyards and surrounding areas.

Michael Weeks, the minister, said: "We are deeply concerned for Ms Nicklaus's wellbeing and urge everyone in the community to assist in the search effort.

“Please check your properties and report any information to the Bermuda Police Service immediately on 295-0011”.