A MISSING man may have had a near-miss with a taxi as he stumbled into a road a week ago, say police.

Darren Waller, of Hartlepool, has not been seen by family or friends since about 5.30pm on Sunday, January 9.

Kathleen Waller has now joined her son’s former wife, Lisa Gleaves, and daughter Kayleigh Waller in urging him to come home.

“Darren, we just want you to come home or let someone know that you are safe,” she said. “You’re not in any trouble, we just need to know that you are OK.”

Mr Waller is believed to have been spotted in the Lancaster Road and Powlett Road area of Hartlepool, on Friday, January 14, between 5pm and 7pm.

Police say he may have narrowly avoided being hit by a yellow Skoda taxi after stumbling into the road.

He was wearing a blue hooded top, scarf wrapped around his face, dark bottoms and Reebok Classic trainers Mr Waller is described as 5ft 8in, with a shaved head and tattoos on his hands and arms. Anyone who can help is asked to call Cleveland Police on 01642-326326.