SEARCHES are continuing for Richard Taylor, who has been missing from South Milford since Thursday.

Mr Taylor, 30, is known to have visited the Betfred shop and Morrisons store in Knottingley on the afternoon of Thursday, October 12, then driven his gold Ford Ranger Wildcat pick-up truck to a lay-by at the Old Mushroom Farm, near Gateforth.

The vehicle, which was recovered at about 8pm on Saturday, October 14, was left unattended and insecure but the keys were inside the vehicle.

He is white, 5ft 6in tall, with mousy hair, slim build and has one blue eye and one brown eye. He was wearing faded blue jeans, a navy polo shirt and possibly a light coloured jumper or top when he was last seen.

Police said they did not believe anyone else was involved in his disappearance, but were keeping an open mind.

Detective Superintendent Dai Malyn said: "We are very concerned for the welfare of Richard and have officers working around the clock trying to locate him. Searches of The Old Mushroom Farm area, including search dogs and specialist trained officers, are ongoing. If anyone thinks that they have seen him then we would urge them to get in touch immediately.

"Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could help us to reunite Richard with his family. The work that we have carried out as part of the investigation may suggest Richard is anxious or worried. We would like to reassure him that if he, or whoever is in his company, is reading this that his family are desperate to know he alive and well."

Anyone with information on his whereabouts should phone the specialist number 0800 056094.