Search for man, 88, scaled down

William Jones vanished last month

The hunt for a missing pensioner in County Durham is being scaled down after one of the largest and longest police searches in the area.

William Jones, 88, was last seen leaving his home in Ferryhill, on 16 October, for a daily walk.

His disappearance sparked a huge search that continued every day in and around the town.

Durham Police said that despite a huge effort from the force and local people it had drawn a blank.

Insp Bill Bentham said beat officers, specialist dog and police search units, local rescue teams, the RAF helicopter from Boulmer, police helicopter, and even a victim recovery dog from South Yorkshire had been used in the search.

He said: "Almost every house in Ferryhill and the nearby village of Bishop Middleham has been visited and our searches have also taken in Chilton and Mainsforth."

"Hard decision"

Posters and leaflets were also distributed throughout Ferryhill and the surrounding villages appealing for any information.

Insp Bentham added: "Sadly everything has drawn a blank.

"We have spoken to Billy's family and have continually updated them throughout this search. It is a hard decision to call it off but we feel there is nothing further we can do at this time."

Police said that although physical searches were being brought to a close the case remained firmly open with all sightings and leads followed up until he was found.

Retired pitman Mr Jones is 5ft 6in tall, with grey hair, and was wearing brown cord trousers, a beige coloured coat and grey woolly hat.