Russell Blent: Fears Shrewsbury man may have been killed

Russell Blent was reported missing on April 9 and was last seen in Shrewsbury on March 17.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Jamieson from West Mercia Police's major investigation unit has renewed the public appeal to locate Mr Blent.

He said officers were becoming increasingly concerned about his welfare and that foul play is a possibility.

He added: "This is completely out of character for Russell and as such we have real concerns regarding what has happened to him.

"We know he has failed to do the things he would normally do, such as collect his benefits, or attend various locations as a part of his daily routine.

"In the days leading up to Russell's disappearance we know he spent some time in Bridgnorth and travelled to and from there several times, sometimes using the bus. Other times he got a lift and we would like to hear from anyone who gave him a lift to get in touch.

"We have been in regular contact with Russell's parents and they are desperate to find him and establish what has happened. We are determined to do all we can to find Russell and return him to his family, someone out there will know what has happened and I urge those with information to help us with our investigation and get in contact.

"We are treating his disappearance as a major incident and will be re-examining areas we have searched previously including those around Meole Brace Retail Park and the Rea Brook as well as woodland.

"I can not rule out that his disappearance is not the result of foul play.

"He may have been a victim of a crime, he may have been subject to a murder, he may have been attacked.

"We are looking at all sorts of scenarios. We have a number of lines of enquiry that are ongoing."

Mr Blent was last seen at 12.30am close to the Meole Brace roundabout and he is described as white, around 6ft 1ins, of a heavy build with short dark hair.

He was wearing blue jogging bottoms, a grey jacket and blue and white trainers.

Over the last five months, police have searched woodland in the Meole Brace area and appealed to householders to check sheds, garages and outbuildings for evidence that someone has been sleeping rough.

Hundreds of leaflets were also distributed in the area. However there have been no firm sightings.

Mr Blent who is also known to use the nickname 'Gudge', has the initials THFC – for Tottenham Hotspur Football Club – tattooed on the knuckles of his left hand.

Anyone with information should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. The number is anonymous and may lead to a reward.