THE search for a missing senior British diplomat from Droitwich has been scaled back police have said.

It has been four weeks since 52-year-old Richard Morris, who was born in the town but lives in Bentley, Hampshire, went for a run on May 6 and has not been seen since.

Hampshire Constabulary have said Mr Morris, who attended Droitwich Spa High School, went missing at 10.30am that morning and since then specialist officers have searched over nine square kilometres of land in their efforts to find him.

Alice Holt Forest, including bodies of water within, and areas surrounding Alton and Binstead were searched by officers, with help from British Transport Police and Hampshire Search and Rescue Service.

Mr Morris, who has been a senior diplomat for more than 20 years, is described as a keen runner and was known to frequent Alice Holt Forest and areas surrounding Bentley on his runs. Hampshire Police officers have also checked CCTV footage, conducted house-to-house enquiries and followed a number of lines of enquiry, many based on information received from the community. But, the force says, despite all efforts there has been no trace of him to date.

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Hampshire Constabulary Chief Inspector Alex Reading said: “It has now been 28 days since Richard went missing, and we continue to be very concerned for his welfare. I would however like to reassure the community that there is no evidence of foul play. We have conducted an extensive search of local woodland, as well as two kilometres of the River Wey and a large section of railway.

"I want to reassure you that although the search phase is being scaled back, our investigation into Richard’s disappearance is ongoing and any new lines of enquiry will be thoroughly investigated.

“We are asking the community to remain vigilant and report anything untoward. If you do see anything that may be connected to Richard, please phone straight away.

“We are continuing to keep Richard’s family informed and they are being supported by specially trained officers.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting 44200160398.