A PREGNANT woman who vanished 48-hours ago with her two young sons has twice made contact with her partner, police said.

Louisa Vowles, 26, of Chignall Smealy, near Chelmsford, Essex, contacted her boyfriend Tim Andrews, 33, by mobile phone twice on Saturday, said a senior police officer.

Ms Vowles has friends in Bournemouth and grew up in the area.

Police would not reveal what Ms Vowles said when she made contact.

But Chief Superintendent Sue Harrison, who is heading the search said officers were very concerned for the safety of Ms Vowles and her sons Zach, seven and Logan, six.

Ms Vowles, who is three months pregnant, vanished after leaving her home saying she was taking the boys to the shops at around 4pm on Friday.

Police said they have information to indicate that she had been in Hampshire and Dorset. But Ms Harrison said it was also possible that Ms Vowles had gone abroad.

Ms Vowles is described as white, 5ft 5ins tall and of "very slim" build.

She has shoulder length bleached blonde hair and when last seen, was wearing a black fur-lined jacket, beige skirt and beige knee-length boots.

One of her sons is described as "chubby" and the other "as slim". Both were wearing school uniforms.

They were travelling in a white four-door Citroen ZX, registration K162 WGS. Police want anyone with information to call 0870 1566345.

First published: October 18