THE search is continuing today for a missing pensioner whose car was found abandoned close to the river in Worcester.

Police dive teams from Avon and Somerset Constabulary are searching the river near to where 80-year-old Robert Allen’s car was found abandoned with the keys still in the ignition on Monday afternoon.

Officers are seriously concerned for Mr Allen’s welfare after he was last seen by his daughter at noon at his home in Ash Tree Road, Redditch, on Easter Sunday.

Arrangements were made to collect him from there on Monday afternoon but when there was no trace of him or his car, police were contacted.

Police believe that Mr Allen’s black Kia Picanto was driven into Worcester between 4am and 5am on Monday and during the afternoon it was found by officers in Grand Stand Road.

Dog handlers and the force helicopter were involved in searches of the area yesterday, including the river banks.

Mr Allen is white, about 5ft 6inches in height and of medium build with thinning, grey hair and a moustache. He normally wears glasses and is believed to have been wearing a fawn coloured jacket.

It is not yet clear why Mr Allen was in Worcester, but it is believed that he used to enjoy walking on the Malvern Hills.

Police have confirmed they are not aware of any direct link with Worcester at this stage.

PC Gemma Pawlik of West Mercia Police said: "Mr Allen has been depressed of late but he has not gone missing before so this is out of character.

“We are obviously very concerned for his welfare, as is his family, and we would appeal to anyone who has seen him or knows anything at all that could help us to get in touch without delay."

Anyone with information should contact PC Pawlik on 0300 333 3000, quoting incident reference 256-N-090412.