Russell Blent: Police search Shrewsbury woodland and waterways near to last sighting
Police have been searching woodland and waterways in Shrewsbury close to where missing 35-year-old Russell Blent was last seen.
Specialist search teams were today carrying out a search of the nature reserve at Rea Brook, Shrewsbury in the search for Mr Blent who has not been seen since March.
It was just one of the areas of the town where police have searched and will re-examine over the coming days.
Known as Gudge, Mr Blent was reported missing by his family on April 9.
On Monday detectives from West Mercia Police said they were now treating his disappearance as 'suspicious' and could not rule out foul play. There are fears he may have been murdered.
Officers from Warwickshire Police have been drafted in to aid in the search of Mr Blent.
PC Nik Walpole, police search advisor for Warwickshire Police, said they expected to be at the site for approximately four hours.
He said: "We are carrying out a search for the missing person.
"We are continuing the search started previously for this missing person. A water search is being carried out and they have to have the correct equipment and protection."
Police are treating the disappearance of unemployed Mr Blent as suspicious.
DCI Neil Jamieson from the West Mercia Police Major Investigation Unit said: "This is completely out of character for Russell and as such we have real concerns regarding what has happened to him. We know he has failed to do the things he would normally do, such as collect his benefits, or attend various locations as a part of his daily routine.
They are focussing their attention on his movements prior to his disappearance. He was known to travel to Bridgnorth in the weeks before, sometimes by bus and other times by accepting a lift.
Anyone who has any information is urged to contact West Mercia Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website: www.crimestoppers-uk.org