A FAMILY are “overcome with relief” after a man who has been missing for almost five months was found “safe and well”.

Darren Stedman was reported missing from his home in Florence Gardens, Hadleigh, on July 21.

On Sunday, Essex Police reported he had had been found and was “safe and well”

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The 48-year-old had last been seen by his neighbour at 8pm the night before he went missing.

His sister Donna Stedman, 49, said: “I was overcome with relief and in tears all day on Sunday when we found out he had be found.

Echo: Darren Stedman had been missing since July 21Darren Stedman had been missing since July 21 (Image: Stedman family)

“Obviously, after so many months missing we were getting very worried about him.

“It’s almost five months since he went missing, which is such a long time to not know if he was okay.

“We are so relived he is safe and that he has been found.”

The family were especially fearful for his wellbeing due to several health conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which means his lungs can close up without medication.

When he left his home, he left behind his medication, phone and keys, Ms Stedman said.

But early into the investigation, police discovered medication under his name had been collected from a pharmacy.

Essex Police says Mr Stedman was found following a media appeal, which led to a person calling detectives to inform them of his location.

Chief inspector David Miles said: “As a force, we take all reports of missing people seriously and we know the impact a missing loved one can have on family and friends, and we work tirelessly to locate people safely.

“Darren was initially reported missing to us in July. Both his family and our officers were very concerned for his welfare.

“We carried out exhaustive enquiries to find Darren, which included a number of media appeals and, thankfully, it was one of those appeals which led a person to call us to let us know Darren had been seen.

“I am extremely happy to be able to give Darren’s family peace of mind as we move into the Christmas period.”