Wife joins hunt for missing man

No trace of Ian Gilbert has been found

The wife of a man who went missing during a stag night in Ostend is to retrace his last known steps.

Charlotte Gilbert, 34, is travelling to the Belgian port this weekend in the hope of shedding new light on the case.

Ian Gilbert, 27, disappeared on the way back to his hotel after a night celebrating with friends on 4 May.

Mrs Gilbert from Crowborough, East Sussex, said she wanted to see the area where her husband had vanished and encourage people to come forward with information.

No evidence

She said: "I know it's going to be extremely upsetting but I would like to see where Ian was last seen.

"Because I know him better than most people I might have an idea of where he went to.

"I hope my visit will raise the profile of the investigation and we get more information."

It is feared Mr Gilbert fell into the sea but no evidence has come to light despite a reward of £15,000 being offered by friends.

I would like to see where Ian was last seen.

Charlotte Gilbert

Mrs Gilbert will meet with Belgian detectives while the land and sea search for Mr Gilbert, known as Golly, has been scaled down.

Posters with a picture of Mr Gilbert had been put up across Ostend.

Many of his friends have travelled to Ostend to join the search, together with a detective from Sussex Police.

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said his bank account had not been touched since the disappearance and personal items were found in his hotel room.