Missing man spotted in Sussex after car dumped a month ago

Stephen, aged 54, was reported missing on Sunday (April 20), having not been heard from since Sunday, March 30. 

Stephen’s car, a blue Mazda 3, was abandoned by a field on the Ridgeway near Southfields in Oxfordshire. 

It is thought to have been there since March 31.

The latest CCTV image, released by Thames Valley Police last Thursday (April 24), shows Stephen in Oxfordshire next to a rack of newspapers, including the Oxford Mail.

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The force says this is from the Shell Garage on the A34, Chilton at around 8.19pm on March 31.

Stephen, whose surname has not been released, is described as 5ft 11ins tall, of slim build, and may be wearing blue jeans, an open necked top, striped cardigan, walking boots and glasses.

Stephen is missing (Image: Thames Valley Police) The force said he is known to have a friend he often goes walking with, called ‘David’, from the Bristol area, who police say they have have not spoken to yet.

He is known to carry a backpack with him and has links to Littlehampton, West Sussex.

On Saturday, Sussex Police said it believed he was sighted in the West Sussex area at 10.30am on Wednesday (April 23).

A spokesperson for the force said: “Anyone who sees Stephen or knows his whereabouts is asked to report it to us by calling 999 and quote Thames Valley Police reference 43250192691.”

On Monday afternoon (April 28), Thames Valley Police said Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue has been conducting searches with its officers.

The force said there are no more planned searches for the remainder of this week, ‘pending new information coming to light’.

Thames Valley Police previously appealed for David or anyone who can help the force speak to him to get in touch.

Detective Inspector George Atkinson, who is based at Oxford police station, previously said: “We are extremely concerned for Stephen’s welfare and have been working hard to find him since he was reported missing on Sunday.

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“Stephen is from Oxford but his car was found abandoned on the Ridgeway near Aldworth, where we believe he went for a walk on 31 March.

“We have been searching the Ridgeway, with support from Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue.

“We are appealing for the public’s help to locate him so if you see Stephen, such as if you are in the Ridgeway area, please call 999, quoting the reference number 43250192691. 

“Anyone with information on Stephen’s whereabouts should make a report on our website.”