POLICE have revealed that a repainted car found burnt out on an Abergavenny residential street could be linked to the disappearance of a woman five months ago.

No trace of Charlene Hobbs, 35, has been found since July, when she was last spotted in Cardiff, where she lived.

But in a renewed appeal for information, South Wales Police detectives now say a burnt out Nissan Micra found at the end of October in Abergavenny's St Helen’s Close, just off the A4143 link road, could be key to finding out what happened to her.

Three people have been arrested and released on bail in connection with the investigation.

And a force spokesperson said: "Since Charlene, from Riverside, was reported missing, officers have carried out a range of enquiries including searches of numerous addresses, derelict premises, vehicles, and open land areas across Cardiff and subsequently in Abergavenny.

"One of the vehicles seized is a distinctive Nissan Micra which was found in St Helen’s Close, Abergavenny, on October 29.

"This car, which was found burnt out, was originally red but had been largely painted black.

"Two men aged 45 and 43, and a 38-year-old woman, arrested in connection with investigation, are on bail pending further investigation."

Police have also revealed a further breakthrough, with a mobile phone photo now confirming that Charlene was at a property in Broadway, Adamsdown, on July 24, the day after the previous sighting.

Her hair bun and distinctive dragon tattoo can be seen, and she is wearing the same strapless top as the previous day when she was captured on CCTV at Morrisons in Moira Place, Adamsdown.

Renewing the appeal over Christmas, Detective Chief Inspector Matt Powell said: “Charlene is a mother, a sister, a daughter, and a friend to many.

"Like us, they are all very concerned for her welfare and are desperate for answers.

“There are several possible explanations for Charlene’s disappearance, and we are keeping an open mind as we do all we can to establish what has happened to her.”

The new photo of Charlene has been verified as being taken in Broadway at 6.07am on July 24.

Further mobile phone analysis indicates that later that evening Charlene may have been texting and calling people known to her, to possibly meet up.

DCI Powell added: “We are appealing for anyone who has information regarding these calls and messages, or who may have met up with Charlene on the evening of July 24, to please come forward.

“We believe the answers are in the community and would urge anyone who has any information to contact police.”

In a statement, her family said: “Charlene, we are desperate to have you home. We have been out looking for you and will continue to do all we can to try to find you, and to understand what may have happened.

“We would ask that any friends of Charlene’s or anyone who may know her, who may have any information about her disappearance to please come forward.”

Anyone with information should contact South Wales Police quoting reference 2400353044.

Information and video footage such as from mobile phones, CCTV cameras, doorbells or dash-cams can be submitted via the link: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/62SWP24B95-PO1

Alternatively, they can contact officers online via Live Chat https://www.south-wales.police.uk or https://bit.ly/SWPProvideInfo

To ring, call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.