POLICE believe a Bristol grandmother who went on the run two years ago after being caught with £240,000 of cocaine could visit friends in Chippenham.

Detectives from the National Crime Squad now believe Diane Gibson, 62, may come to Chippenham and have asked people to contact them if she is recognised.

Gibson, who has four children and several grandchildren, was arrested after she was found to have three kilos of cocaine when she was stopped in a car on the M4 near Swindon in September 1998. She was due to be sentenced for possession in October 2000, but did not turn up at Bristol Crown Court and has been evading arrest ever since.

Police believe the woman, who is originally from Bristol, may have changed her appearance but still be hiding in the West Country.

She is described as 5ft 5ins tall, of large build, with light brown but greying hair and with dark and weathered skin.

Police said she has a broad West Country accent.

Acting Detective Sargeant Paul Kerrod of the squad's Bristol branch said: "There is sufficient information to sugest she may have changed her appearance and smartened up her look.

"We also believe that people close to her have had contact with her and may know where she is."

Another spokesman for the squad said: "We know she has friends and acquaintances in Chippenham, if not family, and we think it is possible she will visit the town.

"We would urge anyone with information to contact us."

The National Crime Squad was formed in 1998 to crack down on drug trafficking.

Anyone who knows of the woman's whereabouts should call 0800 085 5939 with any information.