Police are appealing to walkers and farmers to help hunt for clothing possibly discarded by a missing Poulton man.
As we previously reported, 26-year-old David Thomson, who takes medication for severe migraines after being left with brain damage from a car crash in 2005, has been missing since the early hours of Sunday 17 January. He left an address in Poulton on Saturday 16th January, was later seen in Bispham, and then abandoned his blue Vauxhall Astra van in Station Lane, Scorton, near Lancaster, on the Sunday. He has not been seen since.
Police have been scouring the nearby fields and an underwater search team has been carrying out work in the River Wyre.
Police are now gravely concerned about David and believe he may have developed hypothermia. His family have been told to prepare for the fact that David may no longer be alive.
Walkers and farmers who pass through the woods and fields near Scorton are being asked to assist with the search.
Inspector Dave Tuer, Lancaster Police, said: “Our last sighting of David is at 6am on Sunday near to the Six Arches caravan park, in Scorton, where we have him on CCTV. At this time he was cold and wet. He was obviously confused and may well have wondered off into the surrounding woods.
“It is quite possible that he would have been suffering from hypothermia and, although he may have covered some distance, it is likely that he would have succumbed to the effects. One of the symptoms is that a person actually begins to ‘feel’ hot and starts to take off their clothes.”
“We ask that farmers check their fields, woods and outbuildings for David’s clothing,” he added, “and that those out walking in the area surrounding Scorton, Ellel and Garstang also keep their eyes open.
“Sadly, if David has developed hypothermia then our hopes of finding him alive are fading fast.”
David is 5ft 8” tall, white, with brown cropped hair and was wearing a parka style hooded jacket and black Rockport boots.
Anyone with information should contact police on 01524 63333.