By Patrick LowmanTHE mother of a security guard who disappeared almost a week ago while on his way to work has urged him to contact friends or family.

By Patrick Lowman

THE mother of a security guard who disappeared almost a week ago while on his way to work has urged him to contact friends or family.

Jan Hamilton made the emotional plea to her son, Wayne Beecham, as police searching for him released his picture in the latest attempt to trace the missing man.

Mr Beecham, 23, sparked a huge manhunt, involving the Suffolk police helicopter, divers and dog handlers, after he failed to turn up for work at the Stoke-by-Nayland Golf Club last Wednesday evening.

He was last seen by colleagues leaving his accommodation on the golf complex at about 8.20pm, but he failed to arrive at the hotel reception to begin his 9pm shift.

The huge search was called off the next day when the mother of a friend reported she had seen Mr Beecham in Colchester and said he had indicated he was returning to the hotel complex.

But he has not been seen in the six days since the last sighting and police are now becoming concerned for his safety.

His mother, who lives in the Westlands area of Colchester, said last night: “I have exhausted all Wayne's friends and family and nobody has heard a word from him. We just do not have a clue where he is.

“I am happier because he has been seen once, but obviously I am concerned that he has not been seen again since. I just hope he turns up soon and I urge him to get in touch with somebody so that we all know what is going on.”

Before starting work at the hotel complex almost three weeks ago, Mr Beecham is known to have lived with his father, Kevin, in the Colchester area.

No-one was available for comment from the hotel yesterday, but Jacques Steenekamp, one of its managers, previously said: “We are still trying to contact him. He didn't seem to have any problems, it is all a mystery.”

Mr Beecham is described as white, 5ft 6in tall and of slim build. He was wearing black trousers and a light jacket on the night he disappeared. Anyone with information should contact Suffolk police on 01473 613500.

patrick.lowman@eadt.co.uk