POLICE are searching for a man with connections in Ilfracombe who has gone missing from his home in Somerset.

Luke Simmonds was last seen on Friday, February 28, in New Mills, Derbyshire. He had travelled to the town from his home in the Wells area to visit extended family but left after an argument.

A police spokesman said: “He was reported missing last week and since then we have been conducting enquiries to locate him.

“We are becoming increasingly concerned for his welfare because of health issues and the fact that he left without any money.”

Luke is white, 30-years-old, around 6’ tall with a stocky build, short black hair, blue eyes and a Westcountry accent.

He is left handed and believed to have scarring on his chest. He was wearing a brown suede waist-length jacket, dark blue hooded top, blue jogging trousers and dark-brown steel toe-capped boots. He was carrying a blue rucksack and a red Sainsbury’s coolbag.

The spokesman added: “At this stage we do not know if he has returned to the Wells and Street area of Somerset or stayed in Derbyshire.

“A possible sighting in Manchester is being explored but he may also return to Ilfracombe in Devon where he has some connections.”

Detective Sergeant Vicky Rose, who is involved in the search for Luke, said: “It is almost two weeks since Luke went missing and his family, as well as the police officers looking for him, are becoming increasingly concerned for his safety.

“Recently there have been personal issues which may have been causing him some anxiety and this might be why he has gone missing.

“If Luke sees our appeal I would ask him to get in touch with us and let us know he is ok. His family are worried about him and just want to be sure he is safe and well.”

Anyone who has seen Luke since he went missing should contact Avon and Somerset Police on 101 and quote MP674/14.