Up to 70 police officers have been searching outbuildings and open expanses of land in the Laisterdyke and Tyersal area of Bradford for a missing man.

Since Myles Nesbitt, 40, went missing on Sunday from his home in Woolcombers Way, Laisterdyke, police have been carrying out extensive searches and inquiries including door-to-door and speaking to people in pubs, shops and taxi ranks.

Mr Nesbitt, who suffers from health problems and requires medication, is not believed to have gone missing before.

Detective Inspector Vicky Lawrence said: “As time goes on we are getting more and more concerned about Mr Nesbitt.

“Since Sunday night we have had a lot of manpower and resources on this – about 70 officers then and very much that now.”

Mr Nesbitt, who has family, is described as white, slim, about 5ft 5in, with short brown hair.

When he left his flat, he was wearing a short navy blue jacket, blue jeans and black boots.

Anyone who has any information is asked to contact police on 0845 6060606.

Det Insp Lawrence said: “Our concerns are very real for his welfare and they are increasing.

“We are having help from other divisions and operational support and at the moment are focusing very much on the area around his home where he was last seen, now moving into rural areas.”

Yesterday afternoon 30 officers were searching semi-rural Tyersal Lane bordered on both sides by open fields. Half-way down is a farm and a fishing lake is at the far end.

An operational unit has also been set up at Trafalgar House police station in Nelson Street to co-ordinate the search.

A police spokesman said whatever resources were required would be put into the search which could go on to include dogs and the Force’s helicopter.