A NEW FOREST mum whose husband disappeared a week ago has urged him to make contact for the sake of their 10-year-old daughter.

Police say they are increasingly concerned for the welfare of plumber Philip Barlow, 44, who is thought to be suffering from stress as a result of financial problems.

Speaking from the couple’s home at Milford-on-Sea, his wife Gail said their daughter Emma had been left devastated by her father's disappearance.

She said: “Since he went missing Emma has been crying and has also had trouble sleeping. She just wants her daddy back.”

Mrs Barlow, a 48-year-old financial controller, has not seen her husband since she left for work last Tuesday.

“Phil rang me at 11am to say he'd be late home and asked me to collect Emma, who was spending the day with my parents,” she said.

“There was no sign of him when we got home at 7.30pm and I began to worry almost straight away.”

Following his disappearance Mrs Barlow discovered that her husband had money worries and believes this may explain a recent change in his personality.

“I keep thinking of where he might be and what might have happened to him,” she said.

“I need to keep going for Emma's sake and I'm trying to keep everything as normal as possible, but the past few days have been a nightmare.”

Asked if she had any message for her husband, Mrs Barlow said: “Please, please get in touch. Emma desperately needs you.”

Mr Barlow’s white Vauxhall Astra van – registration number VN54 TZV – was spotted in the Bournemouth area on the day he disappeared.

Detective Inspector Justin Norris of Hampshire police, said: “We’re increasingly concerned for Mr Barlow’s welfare and are asking anyone who has seen him or his vehicle in recent days to contact police.”

Mr Barlow is described as 5ft 9in, slim, with brown eyes and short brown hair.

He was last seen wearing jeans and a dark coloured jumper.