Helen Bailey: Boyfriend of missing children’s author appeals for her return in 'highly unusual' case

‘We promised each other 30 years. Please keep that promise and come home’

Helen Bailey, 51, is believed to have gone missing with her dog, a miniature Dachscund (Hertfordshire Police)

The boyfriend of missing children’s author Helen Bailey, who reportedly disappeared after saying she needed “a little time to herself”, has appealed for any information on her whereabouts one month after she vanished.

Ian Stewart, Ms Bailey's partner, directly addressed her in a statement on Thursday: "Whatever has happened, wherever you are I will come and get you.”

Ms Bailey wrote the Electra Brown series and a number of children’s books. She also blogged about coping with the death of her husband of 22 years in a drowning accident on her website, Planet Grief.

Ms Bailey went missing after leaving her home in Royston, Hertfordshire at 2.45pm on 11 April. She is believed to have her dog Boris, a miniature Dachshund, with her when she left.

Chief Inspector for North Herts Julie Wheatley said the case is “highly unusual" in the fact that "Helen seems to have simply disappeared”.

“We literally have no trace of her despite extensive searches and inquiries which have been on-going since she was reported missing.”

“Helen wherever you might be I hope you hear this message and listen carefully, said Mr Stewart in his statement.

“We miss you and Boris so much. We are shattered in so many ways. You not only mended my heart five years ago but made it bigger, stronger and kinder.

“Together we learnt to live with our grief and move forward with our lives but never forgetting. Now it feels like my heart doesn't even exist. Our plans are nowhere near complete and without you there is no point.

“We promised each other 30 years. Please keep that promise and come home. Whatever has happened, wherever you are I will come and get you and Boris and give you whatever you need.

“Love you more.”

Ms Bailey is described as slim and with long black hair. It is not known what she was wearing when she disappeared. She has connections in Kent, Northumbria and London.

Inspector Wheatley issued a separate appeal for information from the public, as well as an appeal to Ms Bailey. “I would like to directly appeal to Helen. Helen, your family are worried about you and Boris and want to know you are safe. We know you regularly called your mum and dad and it is totally out of character for you not to speak with them.

“I fully appreciate you may find it difficult to contact police but we just need to know that you are ok. If you can’t call us directly, please let someone you know and trust know where you are and that you’re safe. Any wishes you have will be totally respected.”

Anyone who sees Ms Bailey, or knows of her whereabouts, is asked to contact the police non-emergency number 101.