POLICE are appealing for the public’s help in tracking down a man who has been reported missing from home.

Edward Machin, 39, of York, was reported missing on Monday after his family raised concerns about lack of contact from him.

He had been due to speak to a friend via a webchat on Saturday and didn’t log on. He was also due back at work on Monday morning and did not arrive.

His brother Ben has made a direct appeal to him to get in touch.

“Ed, if you hear this, please, please just get in contact either with me, one of your other close friends or through the missing persons bureau and the police,” he said.

“There are so many people that have been in touch, who care about you and who need to know that you are safe and want you back with us".

Investigations so far lead police to believe that Mr Machin travelled by train to Scarborough on January 23 where he caught a taxi to Bempton, having purchased a return ticket to Bempton.

Inspector Andy Farrar said: “Edward’s disappearance and lack of contact is completely out of character and we are very concerned for his safety.

“I urge anyone who has seen him or knows where he is now to get in touch.”

Mr Machin is 5ft 4in tall, of slim build with dark brown hair and blue-grey eyes. When he was last seen on CCTV at Scarborough railway station last Wednesday he was wearing a dark coloured jacket, a light coloured shirt, jeans and brown shoes.

Contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option onr and pass information to the force control room.