Missing man not believed to be alive, police say

Police searching for a vulnerable elderly missing man have said they do not believe he is alive.

John Taylor, 86, was last seen at Abbey Fields, Kenilworth, next to Finham Brook, shortly before 09:30 GMT on 3 December.

On Wednesday, Warwickshire Police said the search had moved to a recovery operation and it did not believe anyone else was involved in his disappearance.

Det Ch Insp Sutherland Lane added: "It has been over a week since John went missing and we're very sorry to report that all the evidence suggests we are not going to find him alive."

Search specialists have used police dogs, drones, dashcam footage and a police helicopter to look for Mr Taylor since his disappearance.

The force has also brought in divers and search and rescue experts with specialist equipment.

Officers said teams were focussing their searches around the Kenilworth Castle and Abbey Fields areas.

"We have found no evidence to suggest John went far from where he was last sighted near Kenilworth Castle and this area has been the main focal point of our search," added Det Ch Insp Lane.

"John's family are extremely grateful for all the support and kind messages they have received. They now please ask that people respect their privacy while they continue to come to terms with his disappearance."

Detectives previously said they did not believe Mr Taylor travelled any further than their search area.

Speaking to BBC CWR last week, the missing man's son, Jonathan Taylor, said he had been blown away by the town's residents pulling together to try to find his father.

"Everyone's thinking of him, it's been amazing," he said.

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