POLICE are becoming increasingly concerned for the safety and welfare of 42-year-old Philip Panting who has not been seen since Sunday.

Mr Panting, who has learning difficulties, and has what is described as the mental age of a twelve year old, left an address in Swindon just before 9am on Sunday to cycle to his parents but he never arrived.

He is described by his family as having communication difficulties, and will not be able to ask for help if he needs it.

In the past he has cycled long distances without stopping, and on one previous occasion he cycled from Swindon to Shaftesbury before being found exhausted on a verge.

No-one knows where he was headed this time but he was not carrying a mobile phone or any money.

Mr Panting is white, of slim build, 6ft tall with very short darkish greying hair and is clean shaven.

He was wearing beige shorts and a bright yellow t- shirt and was carrying a black rucksack.

His bike is a yellow mountain bike with black and grey panniers.

Anyone who thinks they may have seen him since Sunday is asked to call Wiltshire Police on 0845 408 7000 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.