Concern is growing for the safety of missing 49-year-old Martin Wilson who vanished from his Wickford home more than 10 days ago.

Police are no closer to locating Mr Wilson despite speaking to his relatives about where he may have travelled to, checking with hospitals and local transport operators and placing his details on a national database of missing people.

Mr Wilson, who was reported missing by his wife, was last seen at his Woodberry Road home on Monday morning at 8.40am.

A police spokesman said: "There is now increasing concern for his welfare." Police say Mr Wilson had left his car parked in the drive and had not taken his mobile phone with him. His disappearance is said to be out of character, and it is thought that he may be suffering from depression.

Police have also confirmed that Mr Wilson is suffering from a number of illnesses, including asthma, arthritis, and a glandular complaint that leaves him tired and unable to walk very far.

A police dog was used in trying to trace Mr Wilson's movements after his disappearance, but he could only be tracked as far as a bus stop in nearby Hodgson Way.

Witnesses who have contacted the police have claimed that they saw a man answering to Mr Wilson's description waiting near the stop.

However, so far all inquiries made with local bus companies have proved inconclusive.

Mr Wilson is described as 6ft 2in tall with a heavy build. He has brown hair that is going grey, and a beard.

On the day he vanished he was wearing a pair of dark-coloured tracksuit bottoms and a black, three-quarter length coat.

Anyone with information should contact Wickford Police on 01268 561312.

Missing: Mr Wilson

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