POLICE have said they are become increasingly concerned for the safety of who has been missing for more than two days.

James Hore

POLICE have said they are become increasingly concerned for the safety of a man who has been missing for more than two days.

John Metson was due to join a neighbour for lunch in Bradwell, near Braintree, on Sunday but did not arrive.

The 64-year-old man from The Street was seen the neighbour at about 10:30am when he left his house with a small container.

It is thought he was going to pick blackberries, but he did not return.

Mr Metson was captured on CCTV at a nearby petrol station and officers are now trying to retrace his steps and have been searching the surrounding areas with the support of the police helicopter.

Chief Inspector Alan Gooden, said: “We are keen to hear from anyone who may have spoken to John or seen him out and about on Sunday or Monday.

“Bradwell is a small village with many fields around it so John would be pretty easy to spot and would be noticeable in the background.

“We do need people to help with our search as it is a vast area to look through. We're also asking that if John sees, hears or reads about the police search, that he himself gets in contact with us.

“Family and friends are very anxious and are keen to hear from him or know that he is safe and well.”

The avid bird-watcher often walks to nearby fields and lakes, but has always returned. He lives with his seriously ill wife but has no access to a car or a mobile telephone.

Mr Metson is white, about 5ft10ins, and has grey hair and was last seen wearing a dark short-sleeved jumper.

Officers are examining CCTV from nearby premises to establish whether he entered any stores or came into contact people during his walk.

Specialist search teams have joined officers on the search and are currently looking through hedgerows.

Anyone with any information about the disappearance should contact Witham police station on 0300 333 4444.