Ransom deadline for US star's missing mother passes after desperate video appeal

The deadline on a ransom note for the safe return of Savannah Guthrie's missing mother has passed.

The US TV host and her siblings said they were willing to pay for their mother's return after a note requesting the family pay $6m (£4.4m) by Monday at 5pm MT (12am GMT) emerged. Hours before the deadline arrived, Savannah - co-anchor on NBC's Today show - said in a social media video the family had reached "an hour of desperation".

She called the saga a "nightmare" and pleaded to anyone with information to come forward. "We believe our mum is still out there," she said.

"She was taken, and we don't know where. And we need your help." Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her own home near Tucson, Arizona, on the evening of 31 January, and was reported missing the next day after she did not turn up at church.

Read more:What we know about mysterious disappearance Law enforcement officials have concluded she was kidnapped, but no suspects have been identified. Authorities have also not confirmed the authenticity of the ransom note.

The FBI - which has offered a $50,000 (£36,534) reward for information - said it was not aware of the Guthries being in contact with anyone about the ransom. Investigators said they were searching for a vehicle or vehicles that may be connected to her case.

Blood found on the front porch of Nancy Guthrie's home was a match to her, while her doorbell camera was disconnected in the early hours of Sunday morning, Pima County sheriff Chris Nanos has said. Authorities said they have growing concerns about Nancy Guthrie's health because she requires daily medication.

She is believed to have a pacemaker and has experienced high blood pressure and heart issues, according to sheriff's dispatcher audio on broadcastify.com..