A family said they are losing sleep after their grandfather went missing four days ago.
Emma Beesley, 28, said her eight-year-old son, Oliver, is "heartbroken" and "just wants his grandad" home.
She said her stepfather, Thomas Ashurst, 49, of Netherton , was last seen in the Bootle area last Wednesday after he said he was travelling to a garage to drop off his car.
Ms Beesley said Mr Ashurst, originally from South Africa, did not collect his car after saying this, sparking concern for his welfare.
She said she was worried about his state of mind and he's never gone missing before.
She told the ECHO: "Everyone’s a wreck. My mum, who’s his next of kin, isn’t sleeping is hardly eating.
"She’s just so lost not knowing what’s happened. The whole family are on eggshells waiting."
She said that when she had read news of other incidents in town "my head went straight to what if it’s him found, not in a good way".
"We just want to know he’s safe and well. We all love him and we’re such a close family when one of us are down we all rally around."
Ms Beesley said Mr Ashurst has lived in Netherton for just under 18 years. As well as herself, he is stepfather to her sister, Rachel, and has two young grandchildren.
She described him as 6ft tall, covered in tattoos on his neck, arms, legs, back and chest.
She added: "He’s a big guy, but he’s a massive teddy bear."
The police have been approached by the family, Ms Beesley said.
Anyone that has seen Thomas or knows of his whereabouts is asked to DM @MerPolCC or call 101.
