THE niece of a missing man who vanished from the Kirkintilloch area last month fears something bad may have had happened to him.

James O'Connor, known as Jock, was last seen at around 2pm on Thursday, October 26, when he was dropped off by a friend at his home address in the Waterside area of Kirkintilloch.

His niece Amanda Differ, 24, from Kirkintilloch, said: "I think something bad has happened because the last time he was seen was before the weekend. Maybe he went out somewhere for a drink and it is getting dark so he could have fell into a lake or a canal. I don't know"

He added: "I don't know if he has met someone and not came back or injured himself and not recovered from it."

Jock, who is a carpet fitter by trade, lived alone with his West Highland Terrier Alfie who was also left behind. The much-loved pet is now with an animal charity.

He was reported missing to police on November 3 although his niece believes there may have been a sighting of him prior to that.

There is also no recent photo of the 39-year-old which is making it more difficult for his family who want to find him.

Amanda said: "There is no word of him, his voice is going to voicemail so we are quite concerned. I think he may have some mental health issues, and he gets a bit anxious and paranoid but other than that he is fine and approachable."

Residents in Kirkintilloch may be able to help in the search for Jock. He walks around the local area regularly and visits pubs on the main street.

Amanda said: "We are really concerned for his health and wellbeing, and we want him to come home."

James is white, around 5ft 6 inches in height, slim to medium build with dark hair which is worn in a pony-tail.

He normally wears a black water-proof jacket, black jogging trousers, hiking boots and a green skip-cap. James is known to frequent Kirkintilloch, Maryhill and has several associates in these areas, in particular, the Eastside area of Kirkintilloch.

Anyone who has seen him or has any information as to his whereabouts is asked to contact officers at Kirkintilloch Police Station via 101, quoting incident number 1981 of 3 November 2017.