Police have stepped up their appeal to trace missing Wirral mum Anita Stevenson after a man was arrested on suspicion of her murder last night.

CCTV footage of her on the day she was last seen has now been released by detectives.

The move came as a 41-year-old man from Birkenhead is being held on suspicion of Anita's murder. He has been taken to a police station where he will be questioned.

Forensics officers investigating Anita's disappearance continued to search a house in Tranmere today.

Wirral Globe:

Mum-of-one Anita, 39, was last seen by her partner at their home address on Bebington Road, Tranmere, on October 18.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Denn said: "Anita has been missing for two weeks now and we are becoming increasingly concerned about her welfare.

"It is completely out of character for Anita and she has never been known to leave her daughter for such a long time.

"Yesterday we issued CCTV footage of Anita and at this moment in time this is the last sighting we have of her.

"From the CCTV we know that Anita was in the Albany Road area of Rock Ferry, near to the Cock and Donkey public house on Well Lane and the PRM store on Albany Road, between approximately 11.20am and 12.20pm on Tuesday,  October 18.

"I would urge anyone who saw Anita in the area on that day, or who has seen her since to contact us.

"I would also like to appeal to Anita herself - Anita if you are out there please contact us, or your family who are desperately worried, to let us know you are safe."

When Anita was last seen she was wearing black Nike leggings with a pink Nike 'swoosh', black, pink and white Nike Air Max trainers, a white or grey T-shirt and a blue Adidas jacket with red trim on the cuffs and neck, however, she could have changed into other clothes.

Anyone who has seen or heard from Anita or who knows of her whereabouts is asked to contact detectives on 0151 777 2265, or the Missing People charity on 116 000.

Alternatively they can email the charity on 116000@missingpeople.org.uk