Missing man may have been abducted

Robert Saint's yacht was found near Itchenor

A 70-year-old man who has disappeared while trying to sell his boat, may have been abducted, police believe.

Robert Saint of Steyning, West Sussex, was last seen on Wednesday evening.

He had been due on Thursday to take his 45-foot motor launch Sundowner out from Birdham Pool near Chichester with another man.

The boat was later found at nearby Itchenor with no trace of Mr Saint.

Robert Saint was last seen on Wednesday

A police search is now underway to find the pensioner.

Detective Chief Inspector Matrtyn Underhill is leading the investigation which is code-named Operation Score.

He said: "We know Robert was in the process of selling his boat.

"He may have completed the deal and be somewhere safe and well.

"If he is, we need to speak to him urgently so we can end our search."

Police are lifting Mr Saint's boat from the water in order to begin a detailed forensic search for clues.

A 44-year-old man from Bognor Regis is helping police with inquiries.