THE family of an elderly man who went missing in St Albans almost a week ago have made a heartfelt plea for information on his whereabouts.

Alan Spray, 73, from Hatfield, was last seen at around 8.10pm on Saturday (July 30) walking along Verulam Road, towards the Total garage.

His wife Barbara said: “This situation is heartbreaking. My husband is out there somewhere.

“We all miss him so much and just want him home. Please help us find him.”

Alan is a father of five and grandfather to Jo, Jack, Megan, Lyla and Cameron.

Son Christopher said: “We miss our kind, gentle and funny dad. There is a huge gap in our family without him.”

The whole family have appealed for help from the public saying: “Please come forward with any information you might have, no matter how insignificant you think it might be. It could be vital in helping and us and the police find him.”

Alan is described as white, approximately 5ft 9in tall, is balding on top with grey hair to the sides and wears light-reactive glasses. He was described as wearing a brown and blue checked, short sleeve shirt and brown/grey trousers.

Officers have been scouring the area since Saturday, supported by colleagues from the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire dog unit and specialist search teams.

They are becoming increasingly worried for Alan’s safety and have urged those who live in the Verulam Road area to check their sheds and garages for Alan, or anywhere else that someone might hide.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the non-emergency number 101.