A family made a desperate plea for missing care worker Paul Trapnell to let them know he is alive.

Police said they were becoming increasingly concerned for the welfare of Mr Trapnell, 30, of Bowness Avenue, Didcot, who has a history of depression.

His mother Jenny told the Oxford Mail Paul could be suicidal following a tiff with his girlfriend. But she was hoping he might just have left home to make a fresh start.

Mrs Trapnell, 54, said: "The couple had 'a bit of an up and a down'. Because of Paul's depressed state, he was very upset and may have got the impression their relationship was over."

Mr Trapnell, a care worker at a local home for adults with learning difficulties, went to work last Thursday in a distressed state, and handed in his notice.

Police said he was last seen a few hours later, leaving the home of a work colleague at Tilehurst, Reading. His white E-registered Rover is also missing.

"A search of the Didcot area involving the police helicopter failed to turn up any clues as to where he has gone."

Officers were keen to speak to anyone who has seen Mr Trapnell or can help in any way with inquiries into his disappearance.

He is described as being 5ft 11ins tall, of slim build with receding, short, dark brown hair. He has an eagle tattooed on his left arm and a red devil on one of his legs - he is normally clean shaven.

Mr Trapnell has lived at Didcot for about three years, although his family home is at Andover. Colleagues said he was a very caring person and good at his job.

He is the third of four sons, and Mrs Trapnell said Paul who was divorced with a son and daughter, suffered bouts of depression.

"I just hope he will make one phone call to say he is OK," she said.

Story date: Thursday 28 January

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