POLICE are appealing for help from the public to locate a man missing near Sherborne.

Joseph Richards, aged 34, was last seen at around 1pm on Monday June 21 leaving his home address in Holwell. He was last in contact with family via text message at around 1.45pm and has not been seen or heard from since.

He left the address in a grey Volkswagan Passat estate car with the registration number LL52 GKO, which has a black VW badge on the front.

Joseph is described as six feet one inch tall and of average build with short black hair, a short beard and half sleeve tattoos on his right arm. He was last seen wearing a light grey T-shirt or short-sleeved jumper, green camouflage shorts with large pockets and grey Hi Top Converse trainers.

Chief Inspector Matt Baxter, of Dorset Police, said: “We believe Joseph may have been upset when he left his address and we are becoming increasingly concerned for his welfare.

“Officers are currently carrying out searches across the area in a bid to locate Joseph.

“I am appealing to anyone who has seen Joseph or a man matching the description given to please get in touch.

“I would also like to make an appeal to Joseph if you see this – please make contact with us or your family and let us know where you are as we just want to ensure you are safe and well.”

Anyone with information or knowledge as to Joseph’s whereabouts is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 21:612.