HOPES of finding a missing 27-year-old who disappeared exactly one month ago are fading.

Anthony Stammers was last seen by his mother on the morning of Sunday, May 27. Officers and family believe the death of the 27-year-old man’s grandfather in May triggered a breakdown which led to his disappearance.

He lives in Mile End Road with his parents and his absence is causing them great concern as it is out of character for him to remain out of contact for any period of time.

Investigating Officer, DI Stephen Jennings, said: “It’s been a month since Ant was seen by his mother – the last person to see him. There has been no known activity by him for over four weeks now so our hopes of finding him alive, safe and well are fading. We haven’t given up though and will continue to base our searches for him on any information which comes to light. We have spoken to Ant’s parents and they are aware or our activities to date and our plans for the future.”

Ant is described as white, 5ft 10 ins tall, of medium build has short, dark-brown hair. He was clean-shaven but may have a beard by now. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a blue-and-red checked shirt, was carrying a black satchel and may have been wearing a black New York Yankees baseball cap and beige jacket.

DI Jennings said: “Both the family and ourselves at Essex Police would like to thank the volunteers of Lowland Search and Rescue for helping to allow as big an area of Colchester as possible to be covered in a bid to find Ant. This has been a traumatic period of Ant’s parents, family and friends and it has been hard to see them in such a distressed state.”

Anyone with information on Ant’s whereabouts is urged to contact investigating officers at Colchester police station on 101.