Missing doctor 'was seen'

Dr Stevens' bank account has not been used

Police looking for a missing doctor have received reports of three sightings of him.

On Thursday officers from Greater Manchester Police were following up the reports, after the disappearance of Dr Richard Stevens.

Dr Stevens, 54, has not been seen since he arrived for work at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, in Salford, on Monday shortly after 0700 BST.

Police have spent two days scouring the hospital, in Pendlebury, for clues as to his whereabouts.

Chief Inspector Nigel Bonson said the reported sightings were all within Greater Manchester on Thursday morning.

He told BBC GMR: "There has been three reported sightings that we are currently checking out."

We think that Richard left the hospital of his own accord...but we don't know why Chief Inspector Nigel Bonson

Dr Stevens, a consultant haematologist, left his home in Brooklands Road, Sale, Greater Manchester, at 0650 BST on Monday.

He arrived at the hospital at 0710 BST, before leaving his jacket and briefcase in his office.

Mr Bonson said: "We think Richard left the hospital of his own accord as we found nothing to suggest otherwise, but we don't know why he left.

"I would ask Richard to get in touch with the police and let us know that you are safe.

'Still in UK'

"Your family are worried about you and they just want to make sure you are alright."

He said Dr Steven's mobile phone has not been switched on since he went missing.

"But we are continuing to check it on a regular basis, nor has he used any of his bank accounts that we know about," Mr Bonson said.

"He has not taken his passport with him and so we believe he is still in the country.

"We just want to know that Richard is safe and well and would ask him to contact the police on 0161 856 5122 or any of his friends or family."