POLICE are becoming increasingly concerned for the safety of a missing pensioner.

William Smellie, 73, of Neath Close, Blackburn, has not been been seen by his family for two weeks. Police believe he headed for the Brindle area and could be sleeping rough.

He is white, 5ft 7ins, slim, with a very pale complexion, blue eyes and wavy thinning grey hair.

He is thought to be wearing brown shoes, dark trousers and a herring bone pattern jacket, though he normally wears a suit, shirt and tie.

A man fitting his description was seen around 5.30pm on Friday in the Hoghton area.

Mr Smellie, a widower, has a brother in Rishton and a son in Blackburn.

Anyone with information should contact Blackburn Police on 01254 51212.

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