Concerns growing for missing walker (From Gazette & Herald)

Concerns growing for missing walker

11:30am Monday 4th March 2013 in News By Kate Liptrot, kate.liptrot@thepress.co.uk

CONCERNS are mounting for a man missing since setting off to walk along the North Yorkshire coast.

Alan Mclean, 61, left the bed and breakfast hotel where he had been staying in Robin Hood’s Bay at 11.15am yesterday and was seen on the beach heading to Ravenscar, Humber Coastguard said.

The coastguard and North Yorkshire Police are involved in a large scale search for Mr Mclean as his disappearance is out of character. He is known to have health issues and it is not believed he has his essential medication with him.

Mike Puplett, watch manager at Humber Coastguard, said: "We are very concerned for this missing gentleman. The search is concentrating on the areas five miles either side of Robin Hood’s Bay, with close attention being paid to the coastal paths, namely the Cleveland Way, the beach areas and cliffs.

"Temperatures fell very low last night, so it is important we locate this gentleman as soon as possible.”

The Whitby, Robin Hood’s Bay and the Ravenscar Coastguard Rescue Teams have all been involved in the search as has the search and rescue helicopter from RAF Leconfield along with the Scarborough Mountain Rescue Team.

Insp Andy Colbourne, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “Alan, if you see or hear this appeal I ask you to get in touch with the police as soon as possible so that we can confirm you are safe and well. If you made a last minute change to your plans and have stayed somewhere else for the night, this is not an issue. We are simply concerned about your welfare.

“I am asking people in the area to look out for Alan and if they see a man matching his description to contact the police straight away.”

He is described as white, 5ft 4in with a slim build and grey hair. When he was last seen he was wearing blue jeans, a blue Berghaus walking jacket and walking boots.

Mr Mclean, who is from Huddersfield, is known to visit pubs when he is out and about, a police spokesman said.

Anyone who can help to locate Alan McLean is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101.