POLICE searching for missing Richard Taylor say witnesses who saw his vehicle in the days before it was found may hold vital clues to the investigation.

The 30-year-old’s parents reported him missing at 6pm on Thursday after he failed to return to his South Milford home at 11.45am following a trip to get a tyre repaired in Knottingley.

His distinctive gold Ford Ranger Wildcat pick-up truck, registration number SN67 ZRL, was found parked in a lay-by on Gateforth New Road, near Selby Golf Club, at 8pm on Saturday, unattended and insecure, but the keys were inside the vehicle.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “This is a very distinctive vehicle and we know that this vehicle was in the Knottingley  area of West Yorkshire on the early afternoon of Thursday 12 October.

“We would like anyone who has seen this vehicle since Thursday to contact police, as this may help us piece together Richard’s movements and provide important information that could help the investigation.”

Police believe he is very close to his family and it is out of character for him not to return home or have any contact with them via phone or text message.

He is also a prolific user of Facebook, but his account has been inactive while he has been missing.

It is known he has friends in Leeds, Wakefield and Blackpool.

He is described as white, 5ft 6in tall, mousy hair, slim build and he has blue eyes. He was wearing jeans and a t-shirt when he was last seen.

If you know where Richard is or you have possibly seen somebody matching his description or noticed the distinctive gold Ford Ranger pick-up truck over the past few days, phone North Yorkshire Police immediately on 101.

Quote “Richard Taylor missing person” and incident number 12170183257.