Serious concerns over missing Bromsgrove pensioner who has dementia (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

Serious concerns over missing Bromsgrove pensioner who has dementia

7:31am Saturday 6th October 2012 in News

POLICE are appealing for help to trace a 71-year-old man who went missing from his home at Catshill, Bromsgrove, yesterday afternoon. 

There are serious concerns for the welfare of Richard 'Dick' Derrington, who suffers from dementia and could easily become lost.

He left his home in Bourne Avenue, where he lives with his wife, on foot at about 3pm and was spotted by a neighbour nearby in Chadcote Way at around 3.20pm. However he had not been seen since then.

Mr Derrington requires medication which he does not have with him and he is not believed to have any money on him either. He does not drive or have access to a car.

He is white, around 5ft 5ins tall, thin with short, grey hair. He was wearing a red polo shirt with ‘John Smith's' logo on it, underneath a black sweatshirt with a picture of a Golden Retriever on the front, and green, sleeveless body warmer. He was also wearing grey/blue trousers and burgundy coloured shoes with a gold coloured buckle.

Inspector Sharron Cannings of West Mercia Police said: "Mr Derrington has not gone missing before so this is out of character for him.

"Due to his mental state he could easily become confused and lost if he goes any distance from his home. Places he is familiar with are the Spar and Post Office at Catshill and the Brook Haven hospital unit in Stourbridge Road, Bromsgrove. Our officers have already checked those locations and are currently searching the area for him.

"Bearing in mind the weather conditions it is important we trace him as soon as possible and I would ask anyone who knows where he is or has seen him to get in touch with us as a matter of urgency."

Anyone who sees him or has any information about his whereabouts is asked to call police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting incident reference 457-S-051012.