THE family of a student who has been missing for nearly a week made an emotional plea today asking him to get in touch.

William Ross Edmond, known as Ross, left his home in Eaglescliffe last Thursday and has not been seen since.

The 22-year-old who is studying chemical engineering at Sheffield University was seen buying a newspaper at the Alldays shop in Eaglescliffe shortly after leaving home.

He was also spotted six hours later at the Davenport Hotel in Middleton One Row.

His father, Martin, said it was totally out of character for Ross to go missing without telling anybody where he is.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday where he was joined by his wife, Heather, son David, and Ross's girlfriend Alexis Johnson, Mr Edmond appealed for Ross to get in touch.

He said: "We do not know why you have not been in contact. Whatever the reasons we would like you to get in touch whether it is direct to us or through a friend.

"We have no knowledge or reason why Ross is not with us and we need people's help to try and find him.

"The worst thing is trying to come to terms with establishing some cause or reason behind it. It is a complete and utter mystery."

Ross, who is 5ft 9ins tall, medium build, with short fair hair and blue eyes, was driving his light blue Vauxhall Corsa - N659 UVN- when he went missing and police have said this is a pivotal part of their investigation.

Inspector Colin White said: "The car is a pivotal part of our inquiries. People may remember seeing the car in the area."

Fighting back tears Miss Johnson, 21, also a student at Sheffield University, urged people to jog their memories about what they were doing last Thursday.

She said: "How little people think the information is it could be vital. Anything how small it seems may help us to make more sense of it because at the moment it is just like a puzzle."

Anyone who does have any information is asked to contact police on (01642) 326326.