POLICE again searched the house of a missing man at the weekend as concern for his safety continued to grow.

Unemployed Gary Cowan has not been seen for nearly a month, after he left a friend's house on Wednesday, May 10, after watching Middlesbrough in the Uefa Cup final.

Inquiries into his whereabouts have reached as far as Denmark. The officer leading the inquiry, Sergeant Helen Eustice, said the disappearance of the 44-year-old was out of character.

"It's a mystery and one that is disturbing, both to us and his friends," said Sgt Eustice.

Mr Cowan, of Acclom Street, Hartlepool, was last seen when he left a friend's house in the town's Chatham Gardens, at about 9.30pm.

Checks of his mobile phone last showed it was in the Sheffield area, but it has not been used since May 25.

"We know friends have been texting him, urging him to get in touch, and have had no response," said Sgt Eustice.

"We have initiated alerts in the Sheffield area and have drawn a blank. We have also made inquiries in Copenhagen after being told he could have gone to work there, and have also drawn a blank.

"He does not appear to have returned home after watching that football match and at home were his two dogs, which had been left without food."

Police have appealed for Mr Cowan, or anyone who knows where he is, to get in touch.

He is white, 5ft 4in and stocky. He has a pierced left ear and a tattoo of a pack of playing cards on his left arm. On the night he disappeared, he was wearing a blue sports jumper, jeans and trainers.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on (01642) 302126.