CONCERN is growing for a 52-year-old man who disappeared after leaving his home on a bike.

William Sharpe, was last seen by a neighbour as he was leaving the house in the Lawthorne area of Irvine at 3pm on Thursday.

There have also been unconfirmed CCTV sightings of a man matching his description around 8.30pm that evening near Irvine train station.

Police say it is  "totally out of character" for him not to keep in touch with family.

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He is described as white, 5ft 10 inches in height and of slim build with short dark greying hair.  When he was last seen he was wearing a blue hooded top, blue trousers, khaki coloured trainers and carrying a black rucksack.

Inspector Stewart Slaven of Irvine Police Office said:  “Searches and enquiries are continuing to trace William. 

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"We are concerned for his safety and wellbeing as he has not been missing before and it is totally out of character for him not to keep in contact with his family and friends, so we want to find him as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information on William’s whereabouts should contact Irvine Police Office through 101 quoting reference number 3634 of 18th April.