The Chief Inspector for Wiltshire Police has said Swindon is still a safe place to live and has thanked the hundreds of people assisting police in the hunt for Sian O'Callaghan.

Chief Inspector, Bob Edge said: "It is understandable for people to be concerned in respect of the disappearance of Sian but we need to take time to remember that our county is a safe place in which to live and work.

"We do have one of the lowest crime rates in the country and isolated incidents like these are very rare within Swindon and the rest of the county.

"Our efforts are fully focused on finding Sian at this time and we are very grateful to everyone who has helped.

"The public support has been fantastic and when required we will put any additional appeals for help on the force website and via the media and social networks.

"The use of social media can be a very positive outlet for information and we will continue to use it to provide public information and facts that aide this enquiry.

"However, I am also aware that there are a number of stories circulating on the internet regarding connection with other possible incidents and users need to be mindful that the accuracy of such entries cannot be relied on.

"Some people will be asking what else they can do and even wondering if it is safe to go out.

"I want to emphasise that whilst there is no reason to believe there is any increased risk to anyone it is always wise to take basic and well known simple steps when we go out such as:

• Make sure someone knows where you are going and when you will be home.

• Stay with friends

• Travel with your friends, if walking try not to walk home alone.

• Drink responsibly "Over the coming days Wiltshire police, our partners and members of the special Constabulary will be undertaking a number of high profile patrols in and around Swindon.

"These people will be able to provide additional information to anyone who needs it.

"We will provide any further updates via the force website or Wiltshire Police facebook site.

I want to repeat that our focus is on finding Sian and If anyone has any information that may help us please contact Wiltshire Police on 0845 408 7000 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111."