Huge police search in Leeds after student goes missing

Matthew Wilcox, who is studying geography at the University of Leeds, has not been seen since around 3am on Friday went he left the Mission nightclub in Leeds city centre.

Worried members of Mr Wilcox's family reported him missing on Saturday night when he did not attend a charity event at his home in the Wickersley area of Rotherham.

West Yorkshire Police said it was believed Mr Wilcox did not return to his student flat in the Clarence Dock area of the city and said his disappearance was "very much out of character".

Teams from City and Holbeck CID, the City Neighbourhood Policing Team, the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team and the Operations Support Division's Underwater Search Unit continue to search areas of Leeds city centre and around Mr Willcox's flat, as well as trying to build up a picture of his movements since he was last seen.

Detective Chief Inspector Dick Nuttall said: "We are becoming increasingly concerned for Matthew because his disappearance is very much out of character.

"At this stage we don't know what has happened to him but there is a possibility that he may be lying injured somewhere in the city centre.

"Our search area includes alleys and ginnels in the city centre and areas around the River Aire as Matthew would have either crossed or walked by the river on his way home."

Mr Wilcox is described as white, 6ft and of slim to medium build, with short dark blond hair.

At the time of his disappearance he was wearing a light-coloured cardigan with a dark top underneath, jeans, white and black trainers and dark-framed glasses.

Mr Nuttall added there was no indication any harm had come to Mr Wilcox and asked anyone with any information to contact police on 0845 606 0606.