Police continue to search for missing man

A pair of glasses belonging to a man who disappeared during a party three days before Christmas have been found.

Edward Gillespie, who was known as Ed, was last seen in the early hours of Saturday, December 22, 2012 at the Roydon Marina Hotel where he had been celebrating an office Christmas.

The 38-year-old man was reported missing by his relatives when he failed to return home to Luton

Mr Gillespie’s car was found in the hotel car park and Essex Police started searching the area on Sunday, December 23, 2012.

Police are contuinuing in their efforts to find Ed. Specialist search teams from Essex Police have been scouring the riverbanks and waterways of the River Stort for any signs or clothing. They have been helped by colleagues from the force’s Air Support Unit. However, the high water levels have been hampering the river search.

Ed’s spectacles were found during the search on Friday, December 28, 2012. 

On New Year's Day, the police’s specialist search team officers were joined by Essex Lowland Search and Rescue - a group of professionally-trained volunteers who regularly help police with missing person operations.

A police spokesman said: "Mr Gillespie had been attending a company party at the hotel and was due to stay overnight before checking out on Saturday morning. His car and belongings were at the hotel but there was no sign of Mr Gillespie.

"We want to hear from anyone who might have seen him, possibly walking around outside the hotel in the early hours of Saturday and we also appeal to all dog walkers or ramblers over the Christmas period to look out for Mr Gillespie, especially if they are walking across the open and remote areas in and around Roydon Marina but please do not put yourself in any danger."

Anyone with information that could help police is asked to call detectives at Loughton police station on 101.