A SEARCH has been launched to find a missing woman whose husband collapsed unconscious in a house fire.

Gulabben Nagin Patel, aged 60, has not been seen since about 5am yesterday after she went missing from her semi-detached hime in Wigan Road, Deane.

A fire had started at the house just hours after she was last seen.

Mrs Patel’s husband Nagin Patel, was pulled out of the home by firefighters, who found him unconscious on the bathroom floor at 2.10pm.

He is still in the Royal Bolton Hospital, suffering from smoke inhalation, and is expected to make a full recovery.

The cause of the fire is still being investigated.

Neighbours said Mrs Patel was not in the home at the time of the fire but police are believed to be investigating a number of possible theories.

About 15 firefighters from Bolton Central and Farnworth were involved in the rescue, along with several police vehicles and four ambulances.

Mrs Patel is Asian, 5ft 2in tall, heavy build and has long brown hair.

When she was last seen she was wearing traditional Indian clothing, possibly yellow trousers, a green tunic, a pink cardigan and a beige coat.

She uses a walking stick, which is either silver or black.

Mrs Patel speaks Guajarati and some English.

Insp Nicki Tompsett, from Bolton Central Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Her family is now very concerned about where she may have gone and desperately want her to make contact.

“Mrs Patel used to work at Maxilin at Swan Lane Mill and may have contacted an old work colleague.

"If you have seen Mrs Patel or have any information about where she is, please contact the police immediately.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.