POLICE searching for a missing man will board the bus he took to Lakeside Shopping Centre for new clues.

Michael Forrest, 63, from Chelmsford, who has Alzheimer’s disease, disappeared on Tuesday December 7 last year.

CCTV footage shows Mr Forrest trying to withdraw cash from a machine at Tesco in Lakeside’s retail park, West Thurrock, at 2pm that day.

It is believed that Mr Forrest was on board the 9.22am bus from Chelmsford to Lakeside that morning, and a police officer will now make that journey and speak to any passengers who may have information.

One person has already come forward to police and said they saw him on the bus in conversation with someone else.

The police would like to trace that passenger to see whether Mr Forrest discussed any plans he may have had.

Mr Forrest has been described as “vulnerable” and police are extremely concerned for his welfare as his condition means he is easily confused, and he has no access to money.

A police Ad Van is being set up at Lakeside and officers will be available in the main public areas to take any information from members of the public.

Extensive searches of the roadsides and fields to the north of Lakeside began yesterday, and Essex Police’s mounted unit is now being brought in.

It is likely that a marine unit will also be called in to search the lakes in the area.

Michael Forrest is 5ft 8ins tall, slim, with brown eyes. He has white hair and a moustache, and speaks with a Scottish accent.

Anyone with any information is urged to call Essex Police on 0300 333 444.