Six months on, and missing woman Leanne Smith's whereabouts remain unknown.

The Whitehaven woman, formerly Leanne Gourley, was reported missing on September 15, and was last seen leaving her home in Whitehaven.

Family and friends have pleaded with her to come home, and to those who may have spotted her to come forward, but have heartbreakingly been met with silence.

"We're all struggling," Ms Smith's brother, Stuart Gourley, said.

"We sit and wait to hear if anybody knows something, but there's been nothing."

He added that Cumbria Police call him each month to keep him updated on the investigation, and have even put an appeal in the Big Issue to spread the word.

"We're all in bits," Mr Gourley said. "It's so difficult – we just want her home.

"The whole family is begging her to please come home."

Ms Smith, who was 39 when she was reported missing, was last seen wearing a blue coat and carrying a handbag, with black shoulder-length hair in a ponytail.

And despite multiple searches organised by both concerned neighbours and police, there have been no reported sightings since.

Police have confirmed they are still searching for Ms Smith, and Inspector Jim Lloyd said: "We are continuing a missing person investigation to locate Leanne Smith, who has been missing from Whitehaven since September 15.

"We continue to assess and follow up all information as it comes in as this inquiry continues and welcome any new information that people may have."

If you have information that could help, contact police on 101.