Appeal over missing Ashington man

Posted by The Journal on Jul 29, 09 12:12 PM in News

Andrew Merritt Loved ones today begged for a missing man to contact them.

Andrew Merritt has not been seen since he left the Ashington home he shares with his wife Violet, on June 25, and relatives of the 47-year-old are now desperate to know he is safe.

It is not the first time Andrew, who is originally from Sussex, has gone missing - he once disappeared for eight years, and made no contact with his family. It was not until he returned that his family discovered he had been living in Wolverhampton.

But Andrew's mum Doreen today said the whole family were worried, as this was the first time he had disappeared since marrying Violet three years ago.

The 73-year-old, who lives in Littlehampton, has not had contact with her son for more than two years.

But she today pleaded with him to contact his sister, Sharon Vickery, 44.

"Obviously it's the not knowing that worries us more than anything," she said. "He has gone off before but this is the first time he has done it since he got married.

"I would just urge him to get in touch with somebody just to say he is OK. He has always kept in contact with his sister, and I would just tell him to phone her."

Northumbria Police is also appealing for help to find Andrew.

He is known to be a regular at local markets and car boot sales in the Amble, Hexham and Morpeth areas.

And he can regularly be seen riding a distinctive red tricycle, with a trailer attached, from which he sells screws and nuts and bolts.

Andrew is 5ft 11ins and thin. He has short hair which is starting to go grey and is partially bald.

He is white but has a tanned complexion and has hazel-coloured eyes. When last seen he was wearing a red long-sleeved top and blue jeans.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 03456 043 043 ext 69191.

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