A MAJOR search operation was back under way today for a mum-of-three who went missing following a trip to the supermarket.

Karen Simpson was last seen leaving Tesco, in Burscough, near Ormskirk, at around 11am on Sunday.

She went there to buy nappies for her baby daughter, who was born in November last year.

Her disappearance caused shockwaves through the tight-knit village.

A Facebook page set up appealing for Karen to come home attracted nearly 2,500 users as hundreds of volunteers rallied together to search footpaths, fields and gardens around the area where she was last seen.

They joined around 30 officers on the ground, dog units, mountain search and rescue teams, underwater diving teams and a police helicopter.

Last night, her sister, Paula Caunce, said: "The hardest thing at the moment is not knowing what has happened.

"I was with her the day before. She was a bit quiet but otherwise OK. She was supposed to come to mine the next day but never got the chance. We all just want her home safe."

The 31-year- old, who also has two young boys, left her home in Elm Road on foot around 10.30am.

She was expected home but never returned.

Police are concerned for her welfare and appealed for her or for anyone that knows of her whereabouts to get in touch.