A missing 78-year-old whose disappearance prompted welfare concerns was found in the early hours of this morning in an Essex convenience shop.

Suffolk police had issued an appeal for help tracing Gianfranco Mordanti, who was last ween at around 4pm yesterday having left Pinner in Middlesex to travel to Brandon.

“Gianfranco’s family and officers are concerned for his welfare and are asking anyone who has seen him or who has any information on where he may be to contact Suffolk police,” a force spokesman said last night.

Relatives and police were said to be concerned for his welfare and appealed for anyone with information to get in touch.

Police later confirmed that Mr Mordanti had been found safe in a convenience store in Clacton, Essex, at around 12.30am.

“Arrangements are in hand to return him to family members,” a spokesman added.