Family desperately worried as Portsmouth army veteran goes missing

A MUCH-LOVED father-of-two from Hilsea has been missing since Sunday, leaving family and friends desperately worried.
By Ben Fishwick
Published 15th Oct 2020, 17:21 BST
Neil Petipher, 41, went missing after leaving his home in Northern Parade, Hilsea, on the morning of October 11.Neil Petipher, 41, went missing after leaving his home in Northern Parade, Hilsea, on the morning of October 11.
Neil Petipher, 41, went missing after leaving his home in Northern Parade, Hilsea, on the morning of October 11.

Neil Petipher, 41, left his home in Northern Parade on Sunday morning, intending to stay with his parents in nearby Copnor for a few days.

However the army veteran didn’t arrive and hasn’t made contact with his family since.

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His wife Sara Petipher, 40, said: ‘Neil is a loyal and loving father, brother and son, and it is entirely out of character for him to disappear like this.

‘We’re desperately worried about his wellbeing at this point, as Neil doesn’t have his phone or wallet on him.

‘Family and friends have been incredibly supportive, searching the streets for Neil and sharing information.

‘We just want to know he’s safe.’

Mr Petipher was last seen by an off-duty police officer walking along Norway Road on Tuesday evening.

Neil Petipher, 41, went missing after leaving his home in Northern Parade, Hilsea, on the morning of October 11.Neil Petipher, 41, went missing after leaving his home in Northern Parade, Hilsea, on the morning of October 11.
Neil Petipher, 41, went missing after leaving his home in Northern Parade, Hilsea, on the morning of October 11.
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Earlier he had been seen walking along Hilsea shore line, but there have been no further confirmed sightings since.

Veterans organisation All Call Signs, in Albert Road, Southsea, said Mr Petipher is 6ft 1in and was wearing blue jeans and a green jacket when he went missing.

He was also wearing a black baseball cap and was carrying a black rucksack.

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Neil Petipher, 41, went missing after leaving his home in Northern Parade, Hilsea, on the morning of October 11.Neil Petipher, 41, went missing after leaving his home in Northern Parade, Hilsea, on the morning of October 11.
Neil Petipher, 41, went missing after leaving his home in Northern Parade, Hilsea, on the morning of October 11.

Volunteers from Denmead Drone Search and Rescue have been assisting his friends, family and colleagues from his workplace, Keir South, in the search.

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The organisation urged people to keep an eye out for Mr Petipher and report any sightings.

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Social media posts about his disappearance have been widely shared in the Portsmouth area.

Anyone with any information should contact Denmead Drone Search and Rescue on 07452 709700 or Hampshire police on 101.

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