A MASSIVE search to find a former soldier and police officer has been stepped up.

Former Metropolitan Police marksman Steven Reis, 35, has been missing from his parents’ home in Rowhedge Road, Colchester, since Monday afternoon.

Police from across the town and volunteers from lowland search and rescue teams were yesterday searching for Mr Reis.

They searched Rowhedge, close to his home, and scoured Bullock Wood, near St John’s Close.

Residents have been asked to search outbuildings.

Chief Insp Lee Davies, Colchester district commander, said: “We have engaged numerous police resources, including horses and the helicopter, as well as colleagues from other agencies, such as Essex Search and Rescue.

“We are looking in the Rowhedge area as a matter of course.

“We believe he was spotted in the High Woods area prior to going missing.

“We are trying to determine what he was doing in High Woods.”

Concerns have been raised for Mr Reis’s psychological wellbeing and it is feared he may not be taking prescribed medicine.

Sharon Jefferies, 38, a mum-of-three, of St Cyrus Road, Colchester, said police had searched her garage.

She said: “There was lots going on near St John’s Road and the wood. There were loads of police up there and vehicles were going up and down all day.

“We have all been told to keep our eyes and ears open.”

John Taylor, of St John’s Road, said: “I had a visit from two police officers, who asked if they could look round gardens and outbuildings in our road.

“They did say they had been given a patch to cover.

“It was the first I knew of it, but I do have great sympathy with the situation.”

Mr Reis’s mother, Jackie, said her son, a former Royal Engineer who fought in Bosnia, suffered from post-traumatic stress.

He resigned from the police after admitting drink-driving earlier this year. He is not regarded as a danger to the public.

Mr Reis is 6ft 3ins, of heavy build, with short brown hair.

He was last seen wearing a long-sleeved red fleece with a white T-shirt underneath, and combat trousers.

Anyone with any information on his whereabouts is asked to call the police on 0300 333 4444.