POLICE who have cordoned off a footpath in Bournemouth believe a missing man may have come to harm.

Several police cars and police officers have been in the Townsend area of Bournemouth since about 9pm on Thursday.

A police spokesman confirmed this was part of an investigation about a man missing from his sheltered flat at Castle Dean Lodge in Throop Road, Townsend.

Vulnerable Richard Henry Emery, 61, was last seen on April 19 and he was reported missing on April 29. At the time police were concerned about his health because of his dependency on alcohol.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: "The flats and the nearby path have been sealed off by police and are being examined by officers after very recent information was received from the public suggesting that Mr Emery may have come to some harm. Extensive enquiries by police have taken place concerning Mr Emery's disappearance - enquiries that have included the Blackpool area of Lancashire and the Newquay area of Cornwall."

Yesterday forensic teams were working in the area and a tent had been put up over a section of the pathbetween Throop Road and Cheshire Drive. Around an 80 metre-long section had been cordoned off from public access.

Police officers were also stationed at the door to Castle Dene Lodge on Throop Road.

Mr Emery is described as white, 5ft 6in tall, with grey hair, a ruddy complexion, bags under his eyes and a red nose.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact Dorset Police on 01202 22 22 22.