Search continues for missing Ellesmere man

Michael Ashton - aged 81 - was last seen on Friday, 6 July, outside his home address in Church Street in Ellesmere. He was reported missing by neighbours the next day when they went to check to see if he was ok.

Sergeant Richard Coles from Oswestry police station said: "Despite extensive searches of the local area, we have been unable to find Mr Ashton and we are growing increasing concerned for his safety.

"Mr Ashton is believed to be on foot, has little money on him and is not very mobile. While we do not think he has gone very far, we cannot rule out the possibility that he has got a lift somewhere with a member of the public

"Mr Ashton is described as being white, around 6ft tall, with a slim build and as having a grey hair and beard. He is also described as wearing glasses and it's very likely he is wearing a blue jumper and cream trousers.

"I would still urge local people to check any sheds or outbuildings to see if Mr Ashton may have found somewhere to shelter from the weather. However, I would also ask anyone living in neighbouring force areas who may have driven through Ellesmere recently and given an elderly man matching his description a lift, to call us.

"Mr Ashton has been missing for over a week now and understandably, his family are extremely worried about him. It is vitally important we find him and reunite him with his family as soon as we can.

"If anyone sees someone who they believe may be Mr Ashton please do approach him and then call the police if it does appear to be him."

Anyone who knows where Mr Ashton is, or who believes they may have seen him over the past couple of days, is asked to contact West Mercia Police as soon as possible on 101 or 0300 333 3000.