A MOUNTAIN rescue team has been out searching for missing Northallerton man Stephen Stockdale as concerns for his safety grow.

Stephen, 37, was last seen on Monday morning when he left for work, but he failed to return home when expected and did not attend work.

Shortly after midday yesterday, the Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team was contacted by North Yorkshire Police to assist in the search for him.

The Northern Echo:

Missing Northallerton man Stephen Stockdale

Team members met at the North Yorkshire Police Headquarters in Northalleton.

Their incident control vehicle was set up at the HQ and two Land Rovers were also deployed to the area.

Following consultation with the Police, a number of search parties were tasked to search various areas outside of the town including local woodlands.

The Northern Echo:

Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team search for missing Northallerton man Stephen Stockdale

After approximately eight hours of searching the search parties were stood-down for the night shortly before 10pm.

A spokesman said: "Thirty-one team members were involved in the search.

"We remain ready to assist further if requested by the police, pending their on-going enquiries."

Stephen is described as around 5ft 6in tall, of stocky build and has light brown, short hair.

When he was last seen he was wearing a khaki coloured jacked, a navy t-shirt, grey jogging trousers, a black beanie hat and khaki coloured wellington boots.

Officers are growing very concerned for his welfare, he has not taken his car and the clothing he was last seen in is not adequate for the weather conditions.

Anyone who has seen a man matching Stephen’s description is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, or 999 if you have an immediate sighting of him.

Quote reference number 12210040207 when passing on information.