Police search for missing florist and disabled daughter

A major police search was launched yesterday after a "vulnerable" and "emotional" woman went missing with her disabled nine-year-old daughter.

Jude Richmond, 41, a florist who has supplied royalty, film sets and the rock band Pink Floyd, was last seen at her home in the Cotswolds on Sunday evening and was reported missing by a neighbour yesterday morning.

Launching a search involving 20 officers, a helicopter and tracker dogs, Gloucester Police said they were particularly concerned for her daughter, Millie Whitehead-Richmond, who has cerebral palsy. Unconfirmed reports suggest that Ms Richmond and her husband Nick, who moved from London to South Cerney, near Cirencester, in 2006, had recently split up.

A police spokeswoman said Ms Richmond and Millie were last seen at their home in Station Road at 6.30pm on Sunday. "We are concerned because Jude is considered vulnerable and Millie has cerebral palsy," she said. "We are slightly concerned for her state of mind. It's out of character." Police say Ms Richmond is 5ft 11in, white and slim with blonde, shoulder-length hair. Millie is thin with blonde hair.