Police are growing increasingly concerned for the welfare of a man missing from his home in south Essex.

David Burgess, 53, has not been since since Saturday, August 16 when he went out for a walk in the countryside around his home near Linford, Tilbury.

Mr Burgess is known for his love of the outdoors and nature but family members called police on Monday when he failed to return in time to start work on a local farm.

Ch Insp Andy Fusher said: "Mr Burgess has always worked outdoors and has never missed a day’s work in his life. It is completely out of character for him to go missing in this way.

"We are now extremely concerned that he might have been taken ill or has had some sort of accident in a remote area of farmland or marshes.”

A widespread search is being carried out around the Linford area and numerous police units are involved, including dogs and the police helicopter.

When last seen Mr Burgess was wearing a blue zip-up fleece, blue jeans, a blue baseball cap and green wellington boots.

He is 5ft 10in tall, and has cropped and thinning hair. He also has tattoos on the back of both his hands.

Anyone who has seen Mr Burgess should call Essex Police on 101.