POLICE admit they are puzzled by disappearance of a Colchester man who has now been missing for a month.

Simon Shotton was reported missing by neighbours shortly after 8pm on Monday August 3, though his parents had not heard from him since May.

The 26-year-old, of Ballantyne Drive, Colchester, is a keen golfer, but police say nobody they have interviewed has seen him on any golf courses in north Essex.

Since he was reported missing, Colchester police have been in regular contact with Simon’s parents, who are also now worried about him.

Investigating officer Sgt Gary Chapman said: “Simon’s disappearance is totally uncharacteristic and is causing us great concern.

“We have spoken to his parents and a few friends, but they have not heard from or seen him in quite a while.

“We know he has many friends in Colchester, but also a few in Lowestoft. Unfortunately, we don’t have any details of these people.

“Like his parents, we just want to know he is safe and not in any danger.”

His mum, Susan Shotton, 62, added: “We’ve been in constant communication with the police and they have been updating us “We just want to know that no harm has come to our son. He is a normal person who is not involved in any criminality.

“We would really urge his friends to contact us, or the police, so our minds can rest easy.”

Mr Shotton, is unemployed, and is about 6ft 3ins tall, of medium build and with short, dark brown hair with grey flecks. He does not own a vehicle.

Police have tried contacting Mr Shotton’s his mobile phone and e-mailing him, but have had no response.

Anyone with any information about Simon, or his disappearance, or who has seen or heard from him since the beginning of August, is asked to call Colchester police, on 0300 3334444.