POLICE have appealed directly to a North Yorkshire man who has been missing for more than a week.

Richard Taylor was reported missing from his home in South Milford on Thursday, October 12, and North Yorkshire Police has received several responses from the public suggesting he may be travelling around the A19 from the Brayton area towards Riccall.

Mr Taylor was last seen by his family when he left his home to get a tyre fixed on his gold Ford Ranger Wildcat pick-up truck. The car was found in a layby near the old mushroom farm near Gateforth two days later.

One sighting, at 10.10am yesterday, suggested he may have been in the area south of Riccall, and was wearing a grey hooded top.

Chief Inspector Al Wescott said police were satisfied that he had not come to harm as the result of any crime, but were “extremely concerned for his welfare”.

Chief Insp Wescott said: “As our search for Richard continues into a second week, I would like to make a direct appeal to Richard himself. Richard, your family are beside themselves with worry and we are very concerned for your welfare. If you see or hear this appeal, please get in touch with your family, friends or the police and let us know that you are safe. If you prefer, you can call the missing people charity on 116 000 in confidence.”

Mr Taylor is white, 5ft 6in tall, with mousy hair, slim build and has one blue eye and one brown eye.

Anyone with information should phone police on 101 or the number above.