Police are co-ordinating a search to locate a father-of-two thought to be in the York area who they are seriously concerned about.

John Burlinson, aged 51, was last seen at 8am on Thursday when he left the home in Magnolia Close, School Aycliffe, he shares with his partner and their two young children. A self-employed blind fitter, he said he was planning to work in the Leeds area during Thursday, and initially went into Darlington to pick up a hire car from a rental firm.

However, later in the day the alarm was raised after his partner received a series of text messages, the content of which alarmed her.

Attempts to contact Mr Burlinson on his mobile phone proved fruitless, although the most recent trace on the handset suggested he may have been in the Acomb area of York.

His cash card was also used at a cashpoint in that area at about 6.45pm to 7pm on Thursday night, and officers from Durham have been liaising with their colleagues from North Yorkshire Police who have been carrying out inquiries in the Acomb area.

Police are anxious to hear from anyone who may have seen the hire car Mr Burlinson was driving – a black Vauxhall Astra SRi, registration NC58 GUF.

He is described as white, 5ft 7ins tall, of average build, with short, dark brown hair. When he left home he was wearing an army-style jacket and khaki-coloured trousers.

Acting Insp Dean Caile said; “We need anyone who has seen Mr Burlinson or the car he is driving to get in touch with the police as a matter of urgency.

“There are real concerns for his welfare and his family are very worried for him.

“If John hears or sees this appeal, I would urge him to make contact with either his family or ourselves,” he said.

Anyone who has seen Mr Burlinson, or the hire car he is driving, should get in touch with their nearest police station.