POLICE are intensifying their search for a vulnerable elderly man who has been missing from a residential home in Lyndhurst since Sunday.

Their concern for 79-year-old William Harper has been heightened by the atrocious weather conditions on Sunday.

Mr Harper was last seen at 11.45am, when left Cranleigh Paddock residential home in Calpe Avenue, saying he was going for a short walk, but he failed to return.

He is described as 5ft 2in, with grey hair and glasses, and was wearing a dark blue blazer with a beige coat on top, and dark trousers.

Sgt Mark Lewis, who is co-ordinating the search, said: "The last confirmed sighting of Mr Harper was on Sunday.

"We are concentrating our search on an area called the Portuguese Fireplace, near Emery Down.

"Although Mr Harper has gone missing before, it has never been for as long as this, and there is concern for his well-being."

Officers are asking people to check sheds and other outbuildings on their property.

Anyone who may have seen a person fitting the description of Mr Harper should call Lyndhurst police on 0845 045 4545.