WORCESTER police have extended their search for a missing man across the Channel.

David Chitty, aged 48, was last seen at the city’s Newtown Hospital on Tuesday, November 17, and police now believe he may have travelled on Eurostar to France, where he has relatives.

A ticket was bought for the 3.30pm train from St Pancras to Gare du Nord International, in Paris, in Mr Chitty’s name, the same day he failed to return to the hospital after his daily two-hour leave period.

Police are concerned the longer Mr Chitty is missing, the longer he will be going without his medication, which means he may be becoming confused and behaving oddly.

A police spokesman said:“Someone travelling to France on the 1530 train to Paris on 17th November may be prompted by seeing his photograph and now recall seeing him on the train or at either station. If they do, we would like to hear from – just as we would from anyone who recalls him being in any of the four French locations we are focusing on.”

Police in Worcester have now made contact with forces in four areas of France they think Mr Chitty may have travelled to: Meschers Sur, Gironde, where his brother Lawrence now lives, Rue De La Monnaire, Region 64, Lourges, France, 65/100, where he lived before moving to England a year ag, Charya, Sare, France, 64/310, an area he is familiar with, and La Centre Camille Claudel, Rue Nansouty, Tarbes, a hospital known to him.

Mr Chitty is described as white, 5ft 8ins tall, of heavy build with dark brown hair with a quiff and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a blue shirt and brown cardigan and trousers.

Anyone who believes that they can help in the search for Mr Chitty is urged to call police on 0300 333 3000, quoting 572S/171109. Information can also be given – anonymously – to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.