THERE is concern for the safety of a man who has gone missing from Stourport.

Stuart Titley, known as Joe, was reported missing by his family on Friday. Mr Titley, 60, was last seen the previous day.

Concern for his welfare increased on Saturday when his shopping bag was found by the River Severn.

Mr Titley, who is well known in Stourport, is described as white, 5ft tall, of stocky build, with cropped dark brown hair and blue eyes.

He was last seen wearing dark trousers, a red knitted jumper with a Flintstones character on it and a navy fleece worn tied around his waist. He does not have access to a vehicle and usually walks everywhere.

Det Insp Jon Marsden of West Mercia Police said: "Mr Titley is considered vulnerable. He has not gone missing before and has taken no money or possessions.

“At the moment we are trying to piece together his movements on Thursday, the day he was last seen.

“We know he left the Old Crown Inn - the Wetherspoons pub in Bridge Street - at about 1pm and headed towards the river. We also know he visited his parents' grave in St Michael's Church that day.

"Our concern for his welfare increased on Saturday when his shopping bag containing personal items was found on by the River Severn.

“This is the focus of the search by police officers, dog handlers and the force helicopter with the assistance of the fire service and SARA (Severn Area Rescue Association).”

Anyone who saw Mr Titley on Thursday, or has seen him since, should call police on 101, quoting incident 223-s-161112.