THE family of an elderly man who went missing in St Albans almost a week ago have said they remain positive of finding him safe and well.

Alan Spray, 73, from Malvern Close in Hatfield, who suffers from Alzheimer’s, was last seen at around 8.10pm on Saturday (July 30).

He had gone to work at the Verulam House Nursing Home, on Verulam Road, with his wife Barbara.

She left him watching television in the sitting room whilst she went to do her jobs, but when she returned to check on him, he had gone.

He was captured on CCTV walking away from the city centre and has not been seen since.

During a press conference at Hertfordshire Constabulary’s headquarters in Welwyn Garden City this afternoon (Friday), Alan’s wife Barbara, son Chris and daughter Nikki Willmott issued a heartfelt plea for any information on his whereabouts.

Barbara, who has been with Alan for almost 30 years and married him last year, said: “Alan is a very kind and wonderful man. This week has been very difficult for us and we are all missing him very much.”

This is the first time Alan has gone missing for any period of time and police have been conducting an extensive search of the area, with help from the police helicopter and the dog unit. Leaflets and posters have also been issued.

Alan, who has five children, is described as physically fit and he liked to walk.

His daughter Nikki, who lives in Dunstable, said: “He said on the morning he went missing that he could ‘walk for miles’ so there is every possibility that this is what he has done.

“This week has been a living nightmare for us; an emotional roller-coaster, but we remain positive of getting him back safe and well as it’s the only way of getting us through.”

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.

Detective Superintendent Mark Drew said: “We are growing increasingly concerned for Alan’s welfare and would like to appeal to anyone with any information, no matter how insignificant you might think it is, to contact us.

“We are very grateful for the number of calls we have had from the public so far.”

People in the St Albans area have been asked to check in gardens and sheds for any signs of Alan.

Anyone with information should contact police immediately via the non-emergency number 101.