Specialist officers are continuing to search for a man suffering from dementia who has not been seen for more than a week.

Timothy Hatcher, 69, was last seen on Sunday, 18 December, and reported missing two days later.

The last sighting police have of him is in the Co-op in Meadgate Avenue, Chelmsford, at about 2.40pm on 18 December.

Chief Inspector Colin Cox said: "Timothy is an extremely vulnerable man and he relies on carers to support him each day. It is very unusual for him to be out of contact for so long and, naturally, our concerns for him are growing each day.

"We know Timothy is a keen birdwatcher and his areas of choice are in Baddow, around the A1114, Hylands Park, and the Meadgate Avenue areas and he often wears a distinctive yellow high-viz jacket. We have already released images of him wearing that item.

"We're really worried about Timothy, and we aim to find him as soon as possible to make sure he's ok.

"If anyone has any information that could help us – not matter how small or insignificant you believe it is – please contact us.

"I would also urge people who live around the A1114, Hylands Park and Meadgate Avenues area to check their doorbell footage to see if Timothy has passed their homes.

"We also continue to appeal for information on a man who we believe may be a friend or acquaintance of Timothy and so may be able to help us with our investigation to find him.

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"We believe Timothy was with this man buying a pair of trainers in JD Sports in High Chelmer on 3 December.

"If you've seen Timothy or have any information about where he is, please call us on 101 immediately."