CONCERN is growing for the welfare of a man who has not been seen since Monday.

Former Worcester News employee Stuart Pickup, aged 37, of Himbleton, near Worcester, was last seen at work in London.

He is thought to have caught the train from the capital to High Wycombe, where he had parked his car earlier that morning, before driving back to Worcestershire in the evening.

The vehicle, a black BMW Z4 registration KT59 UHL, has also not been found.

Concerned friends have taken to social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter to share information about Mr Pickup and they believe his car was last seen turning off the northbound M40 near Warwick at about 9pm on Monday.

Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Williamson said: “We believe Stuart embarked on his journey home and had made it to the Worcester area by around 9.30pm on Monday.

“He was reported missing the following day when work colleagues became concerned after he didn’t arrive in the office.

“Since then, we have done all we can to trace Stuart but we have been unable to locate him so far. He is described as white, of slim build, 5ft 11ins tall with brown hair and a tanned complexion.

“It is completely out of character for Stuart to go missing in this way and as time passes, we are becoming increasingly concerned about him.”

Det Ch Insp Williamson added: “Stuart’s family are extremely worried about him and just want to know that he is safe and well.”

Anyone with information should call police on the non-emergency number 101.