Police draw blank in hunt for missing man

POLICE hunting for a man who went missing almost two years ago have dug up part of a garden in Clacton.

Roddy Ashworth

POLICE searching for a man who went missing almost two years ago have dug up part of a garden in Clacton.

Timothy Salmon, 45, vanished while he was living in one of a number of flats that make up a house in High Street.

Forensic officers descended on the property to carry out a number of tests and conduct a systematic search of the building.

One resident said these included digging up part of the garden at the rear of the property, near to the flat in which Mr Salmon lived.

A neighbour, who declined to be named, said: “We had no idea what was happening. I went to work at 7.30am and everything was normal, but when I got back at 2.30pm there were police everywhere.”

Essex Police declined to give any specific reason for the search.

A spokesman said: “Police are continuing to investigate the disappearance of a man from Clacton.

“Timothy Salmon was reported missing by his family in July 2007. The 45-year-old man lived in the town's High Street.

“Specialist teams conducted a forensic and systematic search of the property in a bid to find any clues which may lead to the circumstances behind his disappearance.

“Officers found nothing and will not be returning to this address.”

Mr Salmon apparently had no financial support since May 2007, when he vanished leaving clothing and personal possessions in his room.

He used to make regular contact with his mother in London and his son in Clacton, especially at birthday times.

The father-of-three had lived in Clacton for most of his life, was well known in the area and used to frequent various pubs in the town.

Police are again appealing for anyone with information about Timothy's whereabouts, or Timothy himself, to contact them at Clacton on 0300 333 4444.