Police are continuing their search for missing man Matthew John Thornton.

Mr Thornton, 45, of Petyt Grove, Skipton, was reported missing by a friend on Sunday. He had not been seen for eight days. Officers are concerned for Matthew’s welfare as he suffers from a long-standing illness.

A media appeal earlier in the week resulted in numerous calls from the public and a police officer from Cumbria reported seeing Matthew on Church Street, Windermere, on Friday, January 13. It is believed that Matthew may have travelled to Cumbria by train as there was also a reported sighting of him at Skipton Railway Station.

PC Kirsty Graham, of Skipton Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “It is encouraging that there have been some possible recent sightings. However, we are concerned for his welfare.”

He is described as 5ft 10in tall, with a medium build, brown eyes and short dark brown hair. Contact North Yorkshire Police on 101.