POLICE fear for the safety of a missing man who has disappeared in Clacton.

Ronald King, 63, who is a permanent resident at the Travelodge in Jackson Road, was last seen on Friday afternoon.

He told staff at the hotel he planned to go out into the sea in his small inflatable dinghy.

Later that day Mr King, who uses a mobility scooter, was seen having a meal at the seafront Atlanta Café. He was carrying a blue dinghy and oars on his scooter.

He failed to return home to the Travelodge and did not attend church on Sunday.

Mr King was reported missing on Monday and police have launched a search of the area.

Det Insp Jim White, who is leading the search, said: “We are extremely concerned for Mr King’s welfare and there have been no sightings of his since he left the Atlanta Café.

"The police helicopter has carried out a search of the coastline but there has been no trace of Mr King or the dinghy.

“We are also checking other places where he liked to go but there have been no sightings.

"We have appealed for help from the public and would like to hear from anyone who saw Mr King after he left the café.”

Anyone with information should contact police at Clacton on 101.