POLICE in Chester-le-Street are appealing for a young man missing from home since Monday to contact his family to let them know he is safe.

Robert Potter, 24, lives with his brother in Tenth Avenue, Chester-le-Street, but was last seen by his mother at about 10.15pm on Monday at the family home in the town.

Mr Potter, a part-time student at New College Durham, who is employed locally as a chef, has not turned up for work this week and has not made contact with his employers to explain his absence.

When last seen he was wearing blue jeans, a fleece jacket and dark training shoes.

PC Ann-Marie Cockerell said Mr Potter's disappearance was out of character.

She said: "His family is unaware of any friends or contacts he may have outside the town.''

She urged Mr Potter to contact home or police on 0191- 388 4311.