Plea over discarded clothes in search for man

Police searching for a missing pensioner from Ellesmere have urged people in the town to report any items of discarded clothing they find this weekend.

Investigators have admitted they have drawn a blank in their search for 81-year-old Michael Ashton, who was last seen on July 6.

Richard Ewels, spokesman for West Mercia Police, said while officers would be carrying out further searches this weekend, police were now keen to hear from anyone in and around Ellesmere who spotted any discarded clothing in the area.

He said: "The search is still very much ongoing but we are becoming increasingly concerned as time goes by.

"We are asking people to report any clothing or footwear they find in and around Ellesmere over the weekend.

"It's just possible he took off a blue jumper and/or cream trousers he was wearing when he was last seen.

"We are getting desperate for any information about Mr Ashton and his family are obviously concerned for him.

"We still have people searching the area and making checks with banks and financial institutions, but they have been unable to locate him."

He urged people who have not already done so to check outbuildings, gardens, barns and sheds.

Mr Ashton, of Church Street, has wandered off previously.

Mr Ashton is described as being white, around 6ft tall, with a slim build and as having grey hair and beard.

He also wears glasses and was likely to be wearing a blue jumper and cream trousers when he vanished. Call police on 101 or 0300 333 3000 with details.