Man held over missing yachtsman

Robert Saint was looking to sell his boat

Police have been granted more time to continue questioning a man about the possible abduction of a 70-year-old amateur sailor.

Retired property developer Robert Saint has not been seen since Wednesday, when he left his home in Steyning, West Sussex, to meet a mystery buyer for his 45ft boat the Sundowner.

Mr Saint had been due to take the boat out from Birdham pool near Chichester on Thursday, so the buyer could see it in action.

The boat was found at nearby Itchenor on Friday, with no trace of Mr Saint.

Robert Saint has not been seen for five days

Detective Chief Inspector Martyn Underhill, leading the investigation, codenamed Operation Score, said: "We know that Robert was in the process of selling his boat.

"He may be somewhere safe and well and if he is we need to speak to him urgently so we can end our search.

"However, it is also possible that he has been abducted or injured and we are therefore calling for any witnesses who may have seen him to come forward."

Major search

Police are conducting a detailed forensic search of the boat for clues to what happened to the pensioner.

They are also searching his £1m home.

Mr Saint is described as 5ft 7in tall, with blue eyes and white hair with a bald patch.

He was last seen wearing a grey and white jumper over a blue striped shirt, a blue cravat, a gold neck chain with a seal pendant and brown shoes.

The man being questioned by police is a 44-year-old from Bognor Regis.

He is being held on suspicion of abduction and theft of the boat.