Growing concerns for missing Rainworth police officer

THERE are now growing concerns for the safety of a Nottinghamshire police officer who has been missing since he failed to return home after work.

Sergeant Colin Evans finished a night shift around 7am yesterday morning (Monday 11 March) and then left Mansfield police station.

The 51-year-old is known to have attended King’s Mill Hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries from a fall and discharged.

He is thought to have left the hospital around 9am, on foot.

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Two hours later at 11am Sgt Evans' wife contacted police at 11am stating he hadn’t returned home and this was out of character.

At around 11.30am there was a confirmed sighting of him by a work colleague who saw him walking along Blidworth Lane, off Southwell Road East, near Rainworth.

Police are also investigating another possible sighting of him at 4pm around Whinbush Lane between Calverton and Ravenshead.

Chief Inspector Paul Winter said: "We are becoming increasingly concerned for Colin's safety. His disappearance is very out of character. His wife and family are deeply worried, as are his many friends and colleagues at Nottinghamshire Police.

"We are conducting searches in the Mansfield and Rainworth areas, checking CCTV footage and making enquiries. The fact he has now been missing overnight and with the weather so bitterly cold, only adds to our unease. Colin is a dedicated police officer who has given many years service for the people of Nottinghamshire. We are all hoping that he is found safe and well."

Sgt Evans is described as white, 5ft 9”, of medium build. He has a bald head, a pale complexion, is unshaven and wears glasses.

He was last seen wearing a blue and white checked jacket, black top, trousers and black boots.

He is familiar with woods around the Rainworth area, where he walks his dog.

Enquiries are ongoing to trace him, but police would urge anyone who sees him to contact them urgently on 101