STAR'S AGONY
Emotional The Office star Mackenzie Crook reveals sister-in-law may have suffered ‘crisis’ before going missing
STAR of The Office Mackenzie Crook has revealed his sister-in-law suffered a "crisis" before going missing.
Laurel Aldridge was last seen in the Walberton area, near Arundel, in West Sussex on Valentine's Day.
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Helicopters, dogs and drones have all been deployed in the search for Laurel, who has been undergoing chemotherapy.
Laurel vanished last Tuesday after failing to turn up to a scheduled treatment session.
Mackenzie, known for his roles in The Office and Pirates Of The Caribbean, appeared live on Good Morning Britain today to appeal for help in finding the 62-year-old.
He said: "It's a week now, it was this time last Tuesday that she left the house with nothing but the clothes she was wearing, no keys, money, phone, and she's not been seen since.
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"I'm here at Slindon cricket ground which was the last positive sighting we had of her and that was a week ago, since then, nothing.
"She was was diagnosed with cancer last year and she missed her fifth chemo session last Tuesday and we think that's what has triggered some sort of crisis in her and she's gone off for a long walk somewhere... we are really clutching at straws now after a week."
Photos released by Sussex Police show Laurel wearing a turquoise fleece, a maroon tartan scarf and brown hat.
She also had a grey puffer jacket with her which officers believe she may have been wearing.
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Mackenzie said the disappearance of his sister-in-law has been "agonising".
Extensive searches are taking place and the actor urged people to look in their gardens and other places where she may have sought refuge.
The star said he has seen "nothing but determination and stoicism" from the family despite their worries.
Mackenzie said: "They've all gathered together and they are just driven to try and get Laurel back safely.
"At the moment everyone is containing their emotions, I'm sure the time will come for that later but right now everyone is very determined and driven.
"We've got a strong suspicion that she is in the local area but that's just a hunch we're going on. We can't imagine that she has gone very far afield."
Specialised volunteer search groups from Sussex have joined the mission, alongside the police helicopter and drone squads.
Chief Superintendent Howard Hodges said: "We would like to thank the public for the information which has been provided to us thus far.
"Our officers have been working around the clock pursuing multiple lines of enquiry and are determined to find Laurel.
"We are working closely with Laurel's family, offering them support and providing them with regular updates on the investigation.
"They too have also appealed for information to help find her, stating they just want to bring her home safely."
Cops have also urged the public to check their dashcam footage in a bid to find 5ft 4in Laurel.
They are particularly keen for anyone driving along the A27 between Fontwell and Arundel and the A29 between Fontwell and Houghton to check their dash cams.
Anyone driving within the Slindon and Walberton areas are also urged to check footage.
Mackenzie added that Sussex Police have been "brilliant" in their efforts to find missing Mrs Aldridge, sending helicopters during the day and night.
He said: "The friends and family have all gathered, we are all doing our search but very much co-ordinated with the police who are doing everything they can, we are very grateful to them."
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Comedian Jason Manford tweeted his support for Mackenzie and shared a post in a bid to raise awareness and find Laurel.
His tweet read: "Hey all! Let's share this post for my pal Mackenzie Crook. His sister in law is still missing and the family are desperate for her return!"
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