A missing man last seen with an inflatable dinghy has prompted widespread searches along the north Essex coastline.

Ronald King, 63, was last seen on Friday (May 15) afternoon at a seafront cafe in Clacton close to the pier.

Mr King, who uses a mobility scooter, was carrying a blue inflated dinghy and oars.

He had told staff at the Travelodge hotel in Jackson Road, where he lives permanently, he was going out in his boat.

Mr King was reported missing yesterday by hotel staff after he did not return. He also failed to attend church on Sunday.

Det Insp Jim White from Essex Police, who is leading the search said: “We are extremely concerned for Mr King’s welfare and there have been no sightings of his since he left the Atlanta Café.

“The police helicopter has carried out a search of the coastline but there has been no trace of Mr King or the dinghy. We are also checking other places where he liked to go but there have been no sightings.

“We have appealed for help from the public and would like to hear from anyone who saw Mr King after he left the café.”

Searches have been carried out from Harwich to Brightlingsea along the coastline, and police cannot rule out Mr King being taken out to sea.

However it is not known for certain whether Mr King went to sea or not.

Anyone with information should contact police at Clacton on 101.