Richard Morris missing: Police renew appeal to find British diplomat who vanished in Hampshire in May

The 52-year-old vanished from the Bentley area after he went running at around 10.30am on Wednesday, May 6.

He was last seen by a member of the public at around 10.50am running on Isington Road, Alton.

Over the past 15 weeks specialist officers have searched over nine square kilometres of land in their efforts to find Richard.

Alice Holt Forest, including bodies of water within, and areas surrounding Alton and Binstead were searched by officers, assisted by the British Transport Police and Hampshire Search and Rescue Service.

Officers have also viewed hours of CCTV footage, conducted house to house enquiries and followed a number of lines of enquiry – many of which came from information from the community.

The search was scaled down on June 3 but Hampshire Constabulary’s investigation into his disappearance has continued.

Now the force is renewing it’s public appeal in a bid to uncover fresh leads.

Chief Inspector Alex Reading said: ‘It has now been fifteen weeks since Richard Morris was last seen after he went for a run on 6 May.

‘We are again appealing for any new information that may help us to locate Richard. No matter how small or insignificant the information may seem, it could be valuable to us.

‘We would ask that you remain vigilant, and report any possible sightings to us.’

Richard is white around 6ft tall, with greying hair and a beard. He also has a distinctive birth mark on his face.

He was last seen wearing a blue long sleeved top with a half zip, black shorts and blue trainers.

Chief Insp Reading added: ‘It has been some time since Richard went missing so please consider the style of his hair or facial hair may have changed.

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‘We continue to be very grateful for the support and information we have already received from the public in this investigation so far, please get in touch if you have anything that could assist us further.’

Those who can help are urged to call 101 and quote either ‘Operation Twilight’ or 44200160398.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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