New police appeal over missing ex-EastEnders actress Sian Blake

Police have reissued their appeal for information about missing former EastEnders actress Sian Blake as homicide detectives take over the investigation.

The 43-year, who played Frankie Pierre in the hit soap, went missing from Erith, Kent, with her children Zachary, eight, and Amon, four.

Officers are also concerned for the welfare of Miss Blake's partner and the children's father, Arthur Simpson-Kent, 48.

He has not been seen since December 16 when officers spoke to him at the family home in Erith.

Police had attended their home after receiving information from another organisation. It was after this that Miss Blake and her children were reported missing.

Mr Simpson-Kent was subsequently reported as a high-risk missing person, and officers have been unable to contact him since that date.

Miss Blake, who suffers from a serious, life-threatening condition, was last seen on Sunday December 13 around Waltham Forest, east London, and police in Bexley, south-east London, believe she is still in the area.

Detectives say it is not known if the family are together.

Miss Blake's silver-beige Renault Scenic was found in Calvert Avenue in Bethnal Green, east London, on January 3, but it is not known who parked it there.

Scotland Yard said the investigation continues to be a high-risk missing persons inquiry, but due to concerns for their welfare, the Homicide and Major Crime Command (HMCC) is now leading and is looking into whether the family may have been victims of a crime.

Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Gwyn of the HMCC, said: "A number of inquiries are under way to find Sian Blake, Arthur Simpson-Kent and their two children.

"They have all been missing for a considerable period of time now, and I am growing increasingly concerned for their welfare.

"In particular Sian suffers from a serious, life-threatening condition and we do not know if she is receiving the medication and treatment she requires to keep well."

Ms Blake is black, 5ft 2in tall and slim with short black hair. She wears glasses but can also wear contact lenses.

Mr Simpson-Kent is a light-skinned black man who is 6ft 2in tall.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 020 8721 4805 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.