A 24-year-old Shrewsbury man has gone missing, sparking a police search.

Police believe Laurence Edward Norton may have visited the Cardingmill Valley at Church Stretton after his rucksack was found near a reservoir.

Mr Norton, of Monkmoor Road, Shrewsbury, has been classified as a high-risk missing person.

His disappearance was reported by a family member just before 10pm yesterday.

Today officers have been carrying out a search in the area and the police helicopter is likely to be brought in to help.

Inspector Rai Harrison, based in Shrewsbury, said:  “There is growing concern for Mr Norton’s well-being and we would appeal to him to get in touch with his family or Shrewsbury police on 0300-333-3000 as a matter of urgency.

“We are also anxious to hear from anyone who might have seen him or has knowledge of his possible whereabouts.

“It’s known he cycled to the Cardingmill Valley reservoir on Friday and returned home the same day. This area is one of his favourite spots and he was a frequent visitor there.

“He then went missing at around 10am on Sunday and that afternoon a rucksack type bag was found near the reservoir which has subsequently been identified as belonging to Mr Norton.

“It’s possible he left it there when he cycled to the reservoir on Friday but it’s also possible he returned to the area after 10am on Sunday. We just don’t know at the moment. Our search teams are concentrating on the Cardingmill Valley area today.

“We are desperate for any news of Mr Norton.  There is growing concern as this is quite out of character and his family are understandably concerned.”

Mr Norton is 6ft 1inch tall, slim with fairly long dark hair.