THE girlfriend of a missing man, believed to be in the North-East, has made an emotional plea for the public's help.

Matthew Hutchinson, 30, has not been seen since leaving his home in Stockwell, South London, two weeks ago.

His most recent bank transaction was in Darlington, on Tuesday, and his worried relatives believe that he could still be in the region.

Mr Hutchinson, who has never gone missing before, has also visited seaside towns in the South-West since going missing.

His girlfriend of two years, Katy Morgan, said: " We do not know why he has been in Darlington, he has no relatives or friends in the North-East. It appears that he seems to be visiting seaside towns in the UK and Darlington is on the main railway route, so maybe that is why."

Mr Hutchinson was last seen at Vauxhall tube station in London, on February 4, where he said goodbye to Ms Morgan. He was expected at the flat they shared later that day, but never returned.

He is described as 6ft 1in, of heavy build, with short brown hair, brown eyes and glasses.

Anyone who may have seen him should contact National Missing Persons, on 0500 700 700, or Streatham police, on 0208 6492239.