Search teams hunt for missing man

Specialist search teams and air support units are searching for Mr Metson

Police are searching for a 64-year-old man who has been missing from his Essex home for a week.

John Metson, from Bradwell, near Braintree, had been due to join a neighbour for lunch last Sunday but failed to arrive.

Supt Steve Johnson from Essex Police said it was out of character for Mr Metson, who lives with his seriously-ill wife, to go missing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

Mr Metson is white, about 5ft 10in and has grey hair. He was last seen wearing a dark short-sleeved jumper.

Search teams

"We are particularly concerned about him as he has now been missing for a week, something he has never done before," Mr Johnson said.

"We really need anyone with any information to contact us as soon as possible."

Mr Metson is a keen bird-watcher and often walks to nearby fields and lakes, but has always returned.

He has no access to a car or a mobile telephone.

Search teams are looking through hedgerows while officers from the air support unit scour surrounding fields.