POLICE have made an urgent appeal for help after as an extensive search continues for a missing man in the North Yorkshire dales.

Andrew Fletcher, aged 63, from Preston-under-Scar, near Leyburn, Wensleydale, has not been seen since 3.30pm on Friday (June 3) when he was walking out of his village in grey and green walking clothing and carrying a backpack.

Andrew’s family are very concerned for his safety and alerted the police at 6.25pm after he failed to return home.

UPDATE: Missing Wensleydale man Andrew Fletcher returns home safely

It is believed Andrew is without any cash, bank cards and his mobile phone.

Extensive searches have been carried out throughout Friday evening involving the Neighbourhood Policing Team, the Operational Support Unit, a police helicopter and the Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team.

The search continued until 11.45pm on Friday and is due to resume at 8am today (June 4).

Officers are appealing for possible sightings of Andrew along local walking routes and surrounding areas.

He is described as white, aged 63, 5ft 9in tall, clean shaven face, with receding dark-brown greying hair.

As well as the grey and green walking trousers and top, Andrew was also seen carrying a blue backpack.

If you have any information that could help the missing person inquiry, contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1, and speak to the Force Control Room.

Any immediate sightings of Andrew should be reported by dialling 999. Please quote reference NYP-03062022-0394.

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