THE family of a missing man have issued a heartfelt plea to the public for help in finding him.

Graham Roskell, 65, from Kirk Hammerton in North Yorkshire, went missing from Harrogate District Hospital where he was being treated for a brain infection.

CCTV footage shows Mr Roskell leaving the hospital just before 8am on Saturday and he has not been seen since, despite extensive searches by police and his family. The illness has left him confused and in urgent need of medication.

His family has set up a Facebook page to raise awareness which has been inundated with well-wishers reporting their own searches for him.

In a joint statement, Mr Roskell’s children said the brain infection had left him disorientated and anxious and without medication his condition could deteriorate rapidly.

They said: “He is a loving husband, dad and granddad, who is the centre of our universe. “We need him back now. We are urging people to check their outbuildings, garages, sheds, cars, anywhere he may have taken shelter.”

His family are also asking for volunteers to help hand out flyers containing his image.

They added: “The police are doing everything they can but we need the public’s help too."

Mr Roskell was wearing a cream and green horizontally striped rugby top and carrying a rolled-up, navy blue fleece dressing gown.

Inspector Bruce Prendergast, of Harrogate police, urged people to check outbuildings where he may have sheltered and report any sightings as soon as possible.

He said: “This is a very worrying and difficult situation for Mr Roskell’s family. They are being very brave given the circumstances and are helping the search for him themselves.

“Specially trained officers have been searching Harrogate and the surrounding areas for Mr Roskell since he was reported missing and those searches are continuing.”

Anyone with information should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101.

• The Facebook page, Find Graham Roskell, can be accessed at; http://www.facebook.com/groups/167505700060049/