DESPAIRING parents of a Colchester man who has been missing since Sunday, May 27, have described what they are going through as “hell on earth”.

Anthony Stammers was last seen by his mother at just after 10am when the 27-year-old left the family home where he lived in Mile End Road.

His mother and father Julie and Robert became alarmed when he failed to attend his grandfather Arthur’s funeral the following day.

Today Mr and Mrs Stammers took part in a press conference at Colchester police station where they appealed for Anthony, or anyone who may have seen him, to get in touch with them or the officers trying to find him.

Mr Stammers, 60, said: “It is hell on earth when you can’t contact your child.

“As parents they are always your children. We are in despair because of the lack of contact and how out of character it is. There is no reason for him not to contact us.”

Mrs Stammers, who should have been celebrating her 56th birthday today, is instead spending the day desperate for news of Anthony.

Her son has suffered from depression in the past, and was known to have been depressed after his grandfather’s death.

Appealing directly to Anthony, Mrs Stammers said: “Anthony, please get in contact anyway you can. Let us know you are safe and that will be the best birthday present I could have.”

Ant, as he is known, is described as white, 5ft 10ins 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.

Police have carried out searches of various areas in and around Mile End and the Colchester town area, with dog handlers being assisted by colleagues from the force’s Air Support Unit. Officers are continuing to check CCTV footage to see if Ant has been captured on camera.

Investigating officer, Detective Inspector Stephen Jennings, said: “We are continuing to search various areas of Colchester and have also enlisted the help of Lowland Search and Rescue team to ensure that we cover as bigger area as possible.

“Ant’s continued absence is very distressing to his parents, family and friends and it is sad to see them in such a state.

“We all want him to get in touch just to allay fears and concerns. We ask people to look closely at his picture and the posters which are up in various windows and to contact us if they know where Ant may be.”

Anyone with information on Mr Stammers’ whereabouts is urged to contact Colchester police on 101.