POLICE officers have thanked the public for their support in the Martyn Richardson investigation, but have asked for no mass searches at this time.

Martyn, 27, was last seen in the Bocking area around 8.30pm on Saturday, August 24, nearly three weeks ago. 

He was last seen wearing a grey hoodie with a long-sleeved top underneath with a stripe down the arms, black fleece shorts, and black shoes.

Officers have carried out house-to-house enquiries, studied CCTV to identify his last known movements, and carried out searches on land and in water.

Search - Essex Police and specialist search teams have been investigating Martyn's whereabouts for more than a week. Search - Essex Police and specialist search teams have been investigating Martyn's whereabouts for more than a week. (Image: Essex Police)

Local residents have offered their support to the Richardson family, with many discussing the possibility of a mass search.

One resident said: “The community is right behind you,” while another said, “If or when the public can help, we’ll be there.”

Det Supt Scott Egerton said: “I want to thank the public for their support of our investigation and for the willingness to help.

“We have specialist search officers and the Essex Search and Rescue team carrying out extensive and painstaking searches both on land and in water.

“I am grateful for the community’s want to help, but I would ask that they allow our specialist teams to carry out this work.

“The local community can help by checking their CCTV, dash cam, and doorbell cameras for the time period after 8.25pm on Saturday, August 24, to see if they captured Martyn on them.”

Concern - The Braintree and Bocking community have been supporting the Richardson family. Concern - The Braintree and Bocking community have been supporting the Richardson family. (Image: Essex Police)

Lynn Jefferis, ward councillor for Bocking North, said: “I know people really want to do something, but we can only really follow the advice that we’re given.

“It is very worrying to the family, and people want to help, but we don’t want to mess up police inquiries or compromise evidence.

“I think it’s quite a delicate operation when you’re searching, as you have to know what you’re looking for.”

She continued: “If he is lost somewhere, it must be very worrying for him and his family must be absolutely distraught.

“We’re all behind them, and we wish him to be found soon.

“If there is anything anybody can do, I’m sure they’ll be very happy to join in.”