THE family of a missing vulnerable man from Chard have launched an emotional appeal as they try to track him down.

Vasco Manuel Macedo, 38, who has a string of learning difficulties, was reported missing on Thursday evening and despite extensive investigations by police, has not yet been found.

Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News:

Mr Macedo, who has the mental age of a 13-year-old, is originally from Portugal but moved permanently to Chard six months ago. He has been living at his sister’s address since he moved here.

Police, as well as Mr Macedo’s family, have been desperately searching for Mr Macedo since he was reported missing, and have also issued a picture of him as they bid to find him.

The family and police are growing increasingly concerned about his welfare due to his mental disabilities, and the fact that he does not speak much English.

He is described as being of Mediterranean appearance, about 5 foot 9inches tall and of skinny build.

It is believed he is wearing a black fleece with an orange zip, black tracksuit trousers, brown walking shoes and a silver watch.

Police fear that Mr Macedo may have travelled away from Chard, and are investigating reports of sightings in Seaton.

Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News:

Now, in a bid to find him, Mr Macedo’s brother-in-law Pedro Santos was speaking at a police press conference as he made an emotional appeal urging the public to help find him.

Mr Santos issued a passionate plea directly to Mr Macedo in Portugese, before saying: “He is a gentle person and has never given us this type of problem before.

“Apart from his difficulties, nothing would account for this. He is like a 13-year-old.

“I personally saw him last Monday and it was normal, like every day. He likes nature and football, and has lived here for six months.

“He only knows Chard, I haven’t stopped searching for him since Saturday, but it’s difficult when we don’t know where to search.

“I hope we find him soon and bring him back.

“I’m not sure what he is going to do without any money, or anything. I’m pretty sure he is afraid because he is alone.”

Police have scoured the area in their investigations, and have also used a police helicopter and dogs as they try to speak

Speaking at a press conference, Detective Inspector Lindsay Shearlock said: 2he is a Portugese national, who moved here last October.

“He lives at his sister’s address, and we are extremely concerned for his welfare.

“This is out of character, he has not gone missing before. He has green eyes and dark brown curly hair, with a goatee beard, and he wears a silver watch.

“He likes to play football, and his family and friends are understandably very worried about him.

“There is no reason for him to leave home.

Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News:

“We do know he likes walking, and it is quite possible that he is now quite a considerable distance from Chard.

“We are currently investigating a possible sighting in Seaton.

“His sister is his carer, and he does have a little bit of money and a mobile phone, but we don’t believe it is working.

“As always CCTV is a line of enquiry, we are following but it’s difficult because we do not know what direction he is travelling.

“It’s a relatively short time that he has been missing, but because of his difficulties and he does not go out alone, we are worred.

Police are urging members of the public to contact them immediately if they Mr Macedo.

If you do see him, call 999 and quote the reference 5216116200