Helen Bailey: Children's author who lost husband in drowning accident missing for a week

Bailey has written several children's books including the popular Electra Brown series

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

Police are concerned about the disappearance of a children's author who has now been missing for almost a week.

Helen Bailey, 51, was last seen at her home in Royston, Hertfordshire, around 2.45pm on 11 April.

Ms Bailey has written several children's books, including the Electra Brown series.

After her husband drowned when he was swept out to sea in Barbados in 2011, she launched the Planet Grief blog to help her cope with his death.

Police are urging her to make contact to let them know she is safe and well. They have also appealed to the public for help in tracing her.

Ms Bailey is described as slim and with long black hair. It is not known what she was wearing when she disappeared.

It is also believed she had her dog, a miniature Dachschund, with her.

She has connections in Kent, Northumbria and London.

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