The search for missing Paul Chaplin switched to London yesterday after a possible sighting of him in the West End, writes Phil Clee.

A Hampshire family on a Christmas outing to see the hit show Caspar stopped to give £5 to an unshaven teenager wrapped in a dirty duvet beneath scaffolding in Wardour Street in Soho.

Hours later, back home in Aldershot, Ron Baker read a national newspaper story about 20-year-old Wantage man Paul's disappearance after a works party three weeks ago. He was convinced he was the lad they saw. He immediately contacted the family in Roman Way through directory enquiries and the police were told. Now pictures of Paul, who has not been seen since the party at the Chicago Rock Cafe in Oxford on December 8, are being sent to police at the West End Central station.

Officers will take them to local night shelters and known homeless haunts to see if anyone recognises Paul.

Mr Baker, an accounts manager for Yellow Pages, is married with three children.

He said: "As soon as I told my wife she said we ought to contact the police. I just hope that the police are successful and that he turns up."

Story date: Wednesday 29 December

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