Two police tents have been erected at the rear of a cafe in Darwen, as the investigation into the disappearance of Susan Waring continues. 

A blue tent has been placed at the back of the Legends Cafe, on Blackburn Road, between Snape Street and Preston Street.

Lancashire Telegraph: A police tent has been erected at the rear of Legends Cafe on Blackburn Road, DarwenA police tent has been erected at the rear of Legends Cafe on Blackburn Road, Darwen

A police cordon remains in place at either end of the alley, while officers continue to search the flat above the cafe.

At around 11am on Saturday, fire crews from Lancashire's Urban Search and Rescue team were called to the property to assist the police, but were stood down just before 3pm. 

Officers investigating the 45-year-old's disappearance, which is now being treated as a murder investigation, have released  an image which they believe to be Ms Waring.

Lancashire Telegraph:

It was initially thought that Ms Waring was last seen on January 30 at around 10pm, leaving an address on Blackburn Road, Darwen.

However, the last corroborated sighting of her was at a doctor’s surgery on James Street West on the afternoon of Wednesday, January 16.

Since then detectives have been working to piece together her subsequent movements and a 46-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of her murder.

He has now been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

As a result of ongoing CCTV enquiries, police are now looking into the possibility that Ms Waring may have been at Asda on School Street, Darwen at around 1.40pm on Tuesday January 29.

A spokesperson for the police said: "The woman who we believe to be Susan, pictured in the black hat and grey/silver jacket, was seen to be speaking to another woman, pictured carrying the umbrella.

"We are keen to identify and speak to this woman as a potential witness as she could hold vital information."

Det Ch Insp Geoff Hurst from Lancashire’s Force Major Investigation Team (FMIT) said he has a team of detectives working hard to find out what has happened to Ms Waring and where she may be.

He said: "No one has seen or heard from Susan for weeks which is very unusual.

"She is often in touch with her sister, and is an active Facebook user but has not logged on since towards the end of January.

"I would like to thank the public for their support and reiterate my plea for anyone with information to come forward.

"We are treating this CCTV footage as a potential sighting of Susan and need anyone with information about the two people in the pictures to come forward.

"If you recognise the women, remember seeing them on that day or think you may be one of the women, please come forward.

"Any information, no matter how small, could be important."

Lancashire Telegraph:

There had been previous reported sightings of Susan in the Dumbarton area of Scotland, however, detectives have been able to rule them out and do not believe them to be her.

Susan is described as being around 5ft 5ins tall, of small build, with brown eyes and collar-length, curly, brown hair.

She speaks with a North West accent and has tattoos on both arms and legs, including smiley faces on her legs.

Lancashire Telegraph:

The police spokesperson added: "Our thoughts remain with Susan’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult and sad time and they are receiving support from Family Liaison Officers."

Searches continue to take place at a property in the Blackburn Road area.

Anyone with information can call 101 quoting incident reference 0963 of March 20.

You can also report information online at mipp.police.uk/operation/0401020119E01-PO1

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.