Police dig missing man's garden

John Goodman is described as reclusive

The garden of a cancer patient who has been missing for nearly six months is being dug up by police.

John Goodman, 52, was last seen by a consultant at Ealing Hospital in west London, on 20 March.

He did not attend another appointment 11 days later and was eventually reported missing by a neighbour on 16 July.

Police have made extensive inquiries but have found no trace of Mr Goodman and want to hear from anyone who may know his whereabouts.

Detective Inspector Steve Morris, who is leading the investigation, said: "It may well be he has decided to take a long holiday or he could be working abroad - there are all sorts of possibilities we have to consider.

Malice 'may have been involved'

"But we are also looking at the possibility that malice was involved."

His neighbours in Mattock Lane in West Ealing have described Mr Goodman as reclusive and have said his home was used as a squat.

He was left the house in a friend's will in 1985. Since when it has fallen into disrepair.

A man was found to be living there, but police do not know whether Mr Goodman had given him permission to do so.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said a 23-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the disappearance.