A WELL-KNOWN angler has gone missing from his Hereford home.

John Bryan - known sometimes as John the Fish - was reported missing on Wednesday, June 1, after his neighbours realised they had not seen him for several weeks.

Police suspect he may have fallen on hard times and be sleeping rough somewhere in either Herefordshire or Worcestershire.

Mr Bryan, aged 63, had a bushy grey beard the last time he was seen and uses the inner stem of an umbrella as a walking stick.

PC Tracy Robinson said: “It seems John may have fallen on hard times and we are concerned for his welfare. He could be sleeping rough in Hereford or Worcester or elsewhere in the two counties.

“He is a keen angler and is known as John the Fish or other similar nicknames, and he could well be seen along local rivers.

“We are releasing a photo of John, who is 5ft 6ins tall and heavily built. However, his appearance is quite different now – when he was last seen he had a large, bushy grey beard, was wearing a large brown coat and was generally unkempt.

“Distinctively, he uses the inner stem of an old umbrella as a walking stick.

“I would urge anyone who has seen John to get in touch as soon as possible. I would also like to appeal to John directly to get in touch with the police and let us know he is safe and well.”

Those with information are asked to contact the Herefordshire Duty via the West Mercia Police non-emergency line, 0300 333 3000, or information can be passed on anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.