Police were today attempting to get to the bottom of the disappearance of a 23-year-old man who friends feared was in "grave danger".

Martin Trussler, of Wayletts, Laindon, was originally reported missing by a friend who claimed he had seemed distressed and disorientated in a phone conversation.

A nightime manhunt was launched for Mr Trussler on Tuesday involving the force helicopter and ground searches in the Epping Green area, where the friend believed he was wandering.

Media appeals were broadcast on radio and printed in the Echo to alert the public to his disappearance.

Mr Trussler heard one of these appeals on his way to work on Wednesday and called the police himself to say he was not missing and was all right.

Following interviews with detectives from Basildon Police officers are still working on the theory that Mr Trussler may have been abducted by criminals.

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