POLICE are widening their search for a missing former miner after a riverbank exercise proved fruitless.

Five officers and a search and rescue team spent five hours on Saturday morning searching the river from Finchale Abbey to Chester-le-Street, in County Durham, for Edward Donnelly.

The 52-year-old, from Fynway, Sacriston, near Durham City, was last seen on March 25 at the home he shares with his sister.

At lunchtime that day, a family friend saw him walking by the A167 near the Red Lion pub, at Plawsworth, near Chester-le-Street.

Since then, a series of searches have taken place throughout the area.

Sergeant Paul Anderson, of Sacriston police, said the latest failed to uncover any clues.

"We searched using canoes, and police officers walking through the woods and on the river banks, but we were not successful," he said.

"We are just trying to cover everything at the moment. We have no definite information.

"We are going to have to extend our search to check other areas.

"There is some concern about Mr Donnelly."

The missing man is described as 5ft 8in, of proportionate build, with a pale complexion and mousy brown hair, cut in a short back and sides style.

He was last seen wearing a three-quarter length, dark green hooded wax jacket, a beige shirt, a grey, orange and black jumper, black jeans and black Umbro trainers.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 0191-388 4311.