Police search cliffs for missing man

Ed Machin, 39, was reported missing from his home in York on Monday after his family grew concerned that they hadn’t heard from him.

Police believe he travelled by train to Scarborough last Thursday and took a taxi to Bempton with two other train passengers after they missed their connection. He had bought a return ticket.

Mr Machin was due to speak to a friend via a webchat on Saturday and didn’t log on and he didn’t turn up to work on Monday.

Searches are being carried out today by specially-trained police officers in the Bempton cliffs area.

His brother Ben said: “Ed, if you hear this, please, please just get in contact either with me, one of your other close friends or through the missing persons bureau and the police. There are so many people that have been in touch, who care about you and who need to know that you are safe and want you back with us”.

Officers are appealing to anyone who has seen a man matching Edward’s description to contact police or the Missing People charity.

Inspector Andy Farrar of North Yorkshire Police, said: “Edward’s disappearance and lack of contact is completely out of character and we are very concerned for his safety. I urge anyone who has seen him or knows where he is now to get in touch. Better still, if Edward sees or hears this appeal, please contact your family, friends or the police and let us know that you are safe.”

Mr Machin is 5ft 4ins, slim, with dark brown hair and blue-grey eyes. When he was last seen on CCTV at Scarborough railway station on Thursday January 23, he was wearing a dark jacket, a light shirt, jeans and brown shoes.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 or the Missing People charity on 116 000. Information can be passed to the charity anonymously.