Relatives of missing Chris May have made a heartfelt appeal for information as police continue a widespread search to find him.

Concern is growing for the welfare of the 28-year-old, who has not been seen since Monday.

He left his home in Kelvedon earlier that morning before calling in to see his father Peter at his home in Coggeshall at about 9.45am. He has not been seen since.

This afternoon, Saturday May 30, his mother Lorraine May and eldest sister Charlene both urged Chris to get in touch.

Lorraine said: “Chris is a loving, family person and is really close to his brother Daniel and three sisters, Charlene, Gemma and Kelly.

“We are a really close family unit and his disappearance is tearing us apart. We are devastated.

“We had no idea that something was wrong until one of his friends said he had not heard from him that day.

“We are not coping at all with the strain of not knowing where he is. If he is reading this now I would urge him to get in touch and let us know that he is OK.”

Charlene said: “His nieces and nephews are asking about him and asking why we have lost him.

“We would never be out of contact for any reason and it is completely out of character to hear nothing from Chris for so long.

“If ever there is anything wrong he always lets us know.”

Chris’s car, a silver VW Golf, was found abandoned at Troys Chase, Fairstead, near Terling, at 9pm on Wednesday, but it is believed to have been left there on Monday.

Officers are now carrying out a close search of the area where the car was found.

Detective Inspector Alan Stevens, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our enquiries are far- reaching and our search is concentrating on the area where his car was found abandoned.

“We are using specialist officers and dogs to search this area. We have nothing to suggest he has gone further afield at this time.

“I would ask Chris to please get in touch with someone and if you are concerned in any way shape or form about contacting the police, please contact the family to let them know where you are.”

Chris is described as white; about 6ft tall, of medium build and has short, fair hair. He has tattoos on his arms.

Anyone with any information should call Essex Police on 101 as soon as possible.

Relatives and close friends who have volunteered to assist in the search for missing Chris May have been asked to join police at Fairstead, at midday tomorrow, Sunday May 31.

Volunteers are advised to wear suitable clothing for searching open countryside and to share cars to the area as parking will be limited.