NO trace has yet been found of a 74-year-old Chandler's Ford man who disappeared nine days ago from the Carthage Close home he shares with his son.

Police today confirmed that they still had no idea of the whereabouts of widower John Reed, pictured above, who was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

At the weekend the missing man's son, Tim, appealed for anyone who might know the whereabouts of his father to contact the police.

He also issued a heartfelt plea for Mr Reed senior to get in touch and let him know he was safe and well.

Eastleigh-based Insp Martin Jeffrey said today: "We have lots of lines of inquiry but all of them are proving to be fruitless."

When Mr Reed went missing earlier this year he went to Andover in search of a former work colleague, but could not recall how he got there except that he had walked.

His worried son said that when Mr Reed disappeared on Saturday, April 19, he had not taken his daily medication with him and had said he was "just popping out."

When last seen, Mr Reed was wearing a white shirt, a tie, dark blue trousers, grey blazer, dark blue anorak and black leather shoes. A police spokesman described him as being of smart appearance.

The missing man is 5ft 8in with thinning grey hair. He weighs 13 stone and has a ruddy complexion.

Anyone who sees Mr Reed is asked to contact the police on 0845 045 4545.