Fears are growing for the welfare of a man who is believed to be travelling to the Scottish Highlands on foot.
Lee Hawley, who lives in Newcastle, was reported missing from the Melrose area of the Borders on Sunday, December 19.
Police have since discovered that the 42-year-old was last seen at woodland near Hawkslee Farm, close to Newton St Boswells, the following day at around 7.55pm.
Investigators believe Mr Hawley was intending to travel to the Highlands on foot but may be anywhere in Scotland at this point.
He is described as being around 5ft 11, of a slim build with short, dark hair and a goatee beard.
He was last seen wearing a green waterproof hooded jacket, khaki green trousers and black boots.
His family say he speaks with a Mancunian accent and they are growing increasingly concerned for him.
Sergeant Gavin Liddle of Galashiels Police Station said: “We are concerned for Lee’s welfare and would urge anyone who may have seen him or heard from him at any time since Monday, 20 December to get in touch.
“Anyone with information should call 101 quoting police reference 3081 of Sunday, 19 December, 2021.”
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