The former wife of a Bradford man who disappeared a decade ago said today she fears he has been murdered.

Graham Whitton was believed to have built up huge gambling debts around the time he was last seen walking out of a city bar back in December 1992.

Bernadette Baker, 44 (pictured), his former wife and mother of his two children, said: "It may be that he has run away or something awful may have happened to him because of the debts.

"But I think he may have been murdered."

Mrs Baker, who has re-married since splitting with Mr Whitton because of his gambling, stressed how he had always remained in the area to be close to his children Anthony and Sandra whom he regularly visited at weekends.

She added: "There is just no way he would have gone off without letting them know what was happening."

Mr Whitton's sister, Susan Irving, 50, shares the family's concern. She said: "Somebody may have done something to him."

Ten years after his disappearance, detectives are stepping up their inquiries into Mr Whitton's whereabouts and while they have no evidence of murder, they confirmed they were investigating that possibility.

Mrs Baker said she last spoke to Mr Whitton on Bonfire night in 1992 - a month before he was last seen on December 11.

"He was in a good mood, as good as I had seen him in a long time, and was splashing his money around," said Mrs Barker, of Glendale Close, Buttershaw, Bradford.

In the time he has been missing, Mr Whitton's father has died and he had also become a grandfather.

"I am sure that even if he was in hiding, he would have turned up for the funeral," said Mrs Baker.

Mr Whitton's son Anthony, now 23, said: "He used to take me up to watch Bradford City and I know he was a regular down there."

He refuses to believe his father has been murdered, instead saying he has probably fled Bradford.

Anthony added: "There have been lots of rumours about him.

"I need to know what has happened. I haven't seen him since I was a young boy and I want to get to know him again."

Detective Inspector Chris Binns, who is leading the hunt, said: "There are a number of leads were are following up including talking and listening to his relatives. At this moment in time we have no evidence to suggest he has been murdered. Obviously, if some information comes forward the situation regarding the missing person inquiry would be reviewed and a murder investigation could be launched."

Police today released more information about Mr Whitton, a former Rhodesway School pupil who was nicknamed Ginger. He was employed at Allied Industrial Services in Cemetery Road from 1971, later working as a labourer before starting in the laundry at St Luke's Hospital. He was a regular drinker at the New Inn pub in Manchester Road where he played in the pool team in the late 70s and early 80s. After marrying in 1974 he lived for a number of years in Newton Street, West Bowling. Police also appealed to Bradford City fans for information as he was a regular at Valley Parade for many years.

Anyone with information should contact Bradford South CID on (01274) 376459.