POLICE have stepped up their search for a missing man after his blood-stained car was discovered at the weekend.

Anthony Kelly, 67, a retired civil servant from Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, has not been seen since last week.

Police are growing increasingly concerned for the father-of-two, who suffers from arthritis and has no money or change of clothes with him.

The family's green VW Golf was found abandoned yards from a North Tyneside beach. Forensic experts were trying to identify the origins of traces of blood found in the car and on the ground nearby.

He was last seen by his wife, Margaret, at home just before midnight on Wednesday, November 8. It is thought he left the house some time after 4am the following day.

When they discovered the car had gone, the family searched for Mr Kelly and found his car later that morning near the Grand Hotel, Tynemouth. A police land and air search failed to find him.

Detective Inspector Andy Reddick, of Durham CID, said there was no obvious reason for Mr Kelly's sudden disappearance.

He said: "We are particularly worried about his welfare - a concern that is shared by his family who desperately want to hear that he is safe and well."

Mr Kelly is 6ft, of slim to medium build, with grey hair, brown eyes, and pale complexion. He sometimes walks with a limp. He was wearing navy blue jogging bottoms, a green shirt and a red cardigan.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts should contact County Durham police on 0191 3864929.