TWO British detectives are helping an investigation to find an East Lancashire woman who went missing on holiday in Greece.

The officers, from New Scotland Yard and the Metropolitan Police, have been carrying out inquiries in Rhodes, where Darwen woman Yvonne Heys has been missing for more than three weeks.

They are also helping officers in Lancashire liaise with the Greek authorities as they try to trace Miss Heys, who disappeared on July 25 after telling a friend she was going for a swim in the sea.

Miss Heys, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and a friend, were on holiday in Afandou.

Det Insp Simon Giles, of Accrington Police, said: "We have been fortunate that two serving officers are in Greece on other business and they have been helping us. One officer from New Scotland Yard is attached to the British Embassy has been helpful acting as a liaison and another detective from the Met has been carrying out some useful inquiries for us.

"However, we are still very concerned about Yvonne and would welcome anyone with information to come forward."

Meanwhile, posters of Miss Heys, 51, of Pickup Bank, have been circulated in Greece and the UK with the help of the National Missing Persons Bureau.

She was diagnosed with schizophrenia about 20 years and police are concerned that since she went missing she did not have her medication with her. She also had no money.

Her family, including sisters Vanessa O'Rourke, of Baxenden, and Angela Smith, of Accrington, are being contacted on a daily basis by DI Giles to keep them up with the investigation.

They say they are increasingly concerned for Yvonne's welfare with each passing day. Anyone with information is asked to call Accrington CID on 01254 353743.