A GARAGE manager who went missing over a week ago has sparked a police investigation after more than £40,000 was found missing from his workplace.

Richard Young, 36, who runs the Total service station, on the Coast Road, in Blackhall, County Durham, went missing at about 10pm on May 25.

It is understood he had had a row with his girlfriend at a house in Attlee Avenue, in Blackhall, and left shortly after in a red BMW, which has been found abandoned in London.

His family, who live in Northumberland, are becoming increasingly concerned for his welfare.

At the time he went missing, Mr Young was wearing black trousers, black shoes, a white collared dress shirt and a green long-sleeved fleece.

He is 5ft 10in, slim, with blue eyes, short dark brown hair, with tattoos on both his arms.

He speaks with a North-East accent and is believed to have connections with the Durham, Aberdeen, Northumberland and London Areas.

Police yesterday confirmed they were investigating money missing from the Total Garage in Blackhall.

Ian Hutchinson, from Total, said yesterday: "We can confirm that the Coast Road service station is owned by Total UK and operated by an independent retailer.

"We are aware of the situation and are looking into it further."

Both police and Mr Young's family last night appealed for him to get in touch.