Police are concerned for the welfare of a missing man known as Jeffery Carl Hewitt after his boat washed up on shore empty in Devon.

Mr Hewitt is believed to have links to the Midlands and London, and is described as a white male, 6’2” tall, in his mid 40’s with fair, shaven, receding hair and blue eyes.

It is known that in late September 2014 Mr Hewitt purchased a 20ft sailing boat called ‘Louise’ which was moored at Torquay. Mr Hewitt returned to the area again in October and is believed to have departed Torquay Harbour between 10 -11am on October 16.

The following day the boat ’Louise’ was found with nobody on board, having washed up on a beach west of Lyme Regis.

Police have so far not identified a next of kin or family of Mr Hewitt nor where he currently lives.

Anyone who has information about Jeffery Carl Hewitt or may have been in contact with him during his time in Torquay are asked to contact the police on 101 quoting log number 308 of the 17 October, or by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.