Pensioner missing on Senegal trip

William West was on holiday in The Gambia, where he owns a house

An international hunt is under way for a missing pensioner who disappeared in the West African country of Senegal.

William West, 76, from St Helen's Park, Hastings, East Sussex had been on holiday with his wife in The Gambia, where they own a house.

Sussex Police said he was last seen on 3 July when he set off on a day trip to neighbouring Senegal, the day before the couple were due to return home.

Hastings police are liaising with officers abroad to try to find him.

Street crime

They are revealing few details, but said the couple went on holiday on 9 June.

Mr West's wife has returned to the UK without him.

The Foreign Office website says most visits to Senegal are trouble-free, although it warns against pick pocketing and street crime.

Senegal journalist Altha Jallow said Mr West's disappearance was worrying.

"There has been some fighting near The Gambian border so I am quite worried that kidnapping or something like that could happen to him."

Sussex Police say they are increasingly concerned for Mr West's safety.