Search continues for missing man Donavan Van Lill

Donavan Van Lill was last seen a fortnight ago

A team of police officers is carrying out house-to-house inquiries in Chippenham to try to find a man who has been missing since 3 March.

Friends of fitness instructor Donavan Van Lill, 29, a South African, say his disappearance is out of character.

A police spokesman said the investigation was being dealt with as "a suspicious missing person inquiry".

It would remain so until the police could confirm or disprove any criminality, he said.

Mr Van Lill, a rugby enthusiast, was last seen by his housemate in the Pewsham area of Chippenham.

On Wednesday, players from Bath Rugby Club backed an appeal for help in finding him.

'Methodical investigation'

Around 15,000 people have joined a Facebook site appealing for information.

A major incident room has been set up at Melksham Police Station and 40 officers are dedicated to the investigation.

Police said Mr Van Lill had not used his bank account and was not believed to have had any clothing or toiletries with him.

Senior investigating officer Det Sup Norman McKeaveney, said: " I have to consider a number of possibilities which may explain Donavan's disappearance, and at this stage of the inquiry, I have an open mind, whereby nothing is ruled out of consideration.

"Donavan's disappearance will necessitate a methodical, but detailed, investigation."

He added that in various areas of Chippenham on Thursday, police will be interviewing key witnesses and Mr Van Lill's friends.

Mr Van Lill is described as white and stocky with short dark hair.

He has a dragon tattoo on his abdomen and may be wearing a dark duffle coat and white trainers.