COME BACK HOME, DAD

Martin Ellis, 40, was last seen on Tuesday morning when he took his 15-year-old son Sean to Testwood School in Totton.

He should have then gone on to work at Gifford and Partners in Lyndhurst but he never turned up.

His family said that his disappearance, which came less than a week after they returned from a two-week holiday of a lifetime to Florida, was a complete mystery.

Today, with the support of his 17-year-old sister Laura, Sean said: "Please come back home, Dad. We are thinking of you."

Police say they are growing increasingly concerned for Mr Ellis, of Slater Close, Totton.

The contract draughtsman left his home address in his white BMW - registration G899 AJT - at about 8am to drop Sean at school.

His distressed wife Julie reported him missing to the police after he failed to show up at his workplace that morning.

Speaking from the family home Mrs Ellis, 41, said: "This is totally out of character.

"There is nothing at all to suggest where he has gone.

"He went to work on Friday and Monday after we got back from holiday and he was fine all weekend."

In an emotional plea to her husband she added: "Come home. We all love you. It will be all right."

Mr Ellis is described as white, 6ft 2in, with a stocky build and short brown hair.

He has piercings in both ears and at the time he left his home he was wearing a green Ben Sherman jumper, a grey-blue polo shirt, beige trousers and red trainers. Acting Sgt Matthew Taylor said: "We are very concerned for the welfare of Mr Ellis as we do not know of any reason why he would disappear. He isn't known to suffer depression or mental illness and his disappearance is considered to be totally unexplained and out of character. His family are extremely worried and we would urge Mr Ellis himself to make contact with them, or if anyone has seen or heard from him since September 29 they should contact us as soon as possible."

Anyone who may have seen Mr Ellis or who has any information should contact Totton police on 0845 045 4545.