Family of teacher, 29, who has gone missing in Salford make emotional appeal for him to let them know he's safe

The family of a teacher who has gone missing from home in Salford have issued an emotional appeal to him to contact them.

Police last night issued an urgent appeal for information about the whereabouts of John Curran, 29. last seen on Tuesday, April 6.

Today John's family made a direct appeal for him to contact them and let them know he's safe as friends and neighbours formed search teams to help look for him.

Until recently John had been teaching English in the Spanish capital Madrid.

However he left the role in February, his family said.

John wearing his distinctive face mask (Curran family)

The pandemic and subsequent strict lockdown in Spain took its toll on him they said and he had been struggling with his mental health.

After a spell in Italy , he returned home to England around three weeks ago, and had stayed with his sister Kate, 41, and then his parents, Desi and Margaret Curran.

He disappeared after leaving their home on Francis Road in Irlam at around 7pm on Tuesday evening, saying he was going for a walk.

There is CCTV footage appearing him to show walking him behind Irlam and Cadishead Leisure Centre on Liverpool Road later than evening.

John pictured with his nephew Laurie, wearing the same outfit as when he disappeared (Curran family)

There was also an unconfirmed reported sighting of him on a bridge over the M62 near Moss Lane farm on Chat Moss.

A group of neighbours have since got together to do some searching in that and other areas.

His family say due to his vulnerability there becoming increasingly worried about him, and they have urged anyone who sees him to urgently contact police.

They have also made a direct appeal to John to get in touch with them.

Sister Kate said: "We're desperate now really.

"He feels so helpless in this situation.

Police and his family say they are becoming 'increasingly concerned' about his welfare (Curran family)

"But we want to him that we love him and that he will be safe if he does come home.

"There's nothing to worry about.

"We just want him to get in touch and let us know he's safe."

John doesn't have a mobile phone. his family said.

And his glasses which he does have with him, are broken so he may or not be wearing them.

He is white, of large build, approximately 5ft 11, tall and has short, dark brown hair.

He was last seen wearing a black jacket, dark grey jeans and black trainers with white stripes.

He has a distinctive face mask he sometimes wears and it is believed he has with him.

Greater Manchester Police's Salford division said "Officers are becoming increasingly concerned about John and want to make sure he is safe and well."

Anyone with information about John's whereabouts should contact GMP on 0161 856 5063.