A VULNERABLE Deane woman whose husband was dragged from a house fire last year has gone missing for the third time in nine months.

Gulabben Patel, aged 61, was last seen at her home on Wigan Road yesterday morning Tuesday, January 6 by her husband as he left for work at 5.15am.

She is described as being Asian, 5ft 2in tall and of heavy build.

She has short dark hair and walks with the aid of a stick. She speaks Guajarati and some English.

She used to work at Maxilin at Swan Lane Mill.

Insp John Devall, from Bolton Police Station, said: “Her family are very concerned about where she may have gone and desperately want her to make contact. "Concerns are mounting due to the time that Mrs Patel has been missing as the weather conditions have become worst over the past 24 hours.

“If you have seen her or have any information about where she is, please contact the police immediately.”Mrs Patel was also reported missing on April 29, the day after her husband Nagin was found unconscious in the house fire.

She was last seen that day at 5am, hours before the fire started.

Mr Patel was pulled out of the home by firefighters at about 2.10pm.

A search for Mrs Patel was also undertaken two weeks ago, on December 23.

On both previous occasions she was found safe and well.

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 5619, 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.