Shrewsbury man's disappearance now being treated as suspicious

Russell Blent, 35, was reported missing to police on the 9 April and was last seen on the 17 March in the Meole Brace area of Shrewsbury.

DCI Neil Jamieson from the West Mercia Police Major Investigation Unit said:

"This is completely out of character for Russell and as such we have real concerns regarding what has happened to him. We know he has failed to do the things he would normally do, such as collect his benefits, or attend various locations as a part of his daily routine.

"In the days leading up to Russell's disappearance we know he spent some time in Bridgnorth and travelled to and from there several times, sometimes using public transport. We are urging anyone who may have seen him during this time to contact police.

"We have been in regular contact with Russell's parents and they are desperate to find him and establish what has happened. We are determined to do all we can to find Russell and return him to his family, someone out there will know what has happened and I urge those with information to help us with our investigation and get in contact."

Anyone with any further information is urged to contact police using the non-emergency number 101.

Information can also be passed on anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website: www.crimestoppers-uk.org