'Concerns growing each day' as Police continue search for missing Chelmsford man with dementia
'Vulnerable' Timothy Hatcher has been missing for over a week
Last updated 27th Dec 2022
Specialist officers looking for missing Timothy Hatcher are asking for help identifying a man that may be able to help them in their search.
69-year-old Hatcher, who has dementia and relies on carer support, hasn't been seen for over a week, and was last sighted in the Co-op in Meadgate Avenue at around 2:40pm on 18 December.
Officers are appealing for information on the man pictured above, who's thought to be a friend or acquaintance of Mr Hatcher that may be able to help them in their search.
It's believed the unidentified man was with him on JD Sports in High Chelmer on 3 December.
Mr Hatcher was wearing a black beanie-style hat, a yellow high-viz coat and a black bag worn over one shoulder in footage taken of him from the 18 December.
Police say he regularly wears the high-viz coat when he’s out so would be distinctive, and are urging members of the public around Baddow, Hylands Park, Wickford and further afield to check their CCTV and doorbell cameras to see if Timothy has passed their homes.
Essex Police added that anyone who might've seen Timothy or have any information about where he is, should call them on 101 immediately.
Chief Inspector Colin Cox said:
“Timothy is an extremely vulnerable man and he relies on carers to support him each day. It is very unusual for him to be out of contact for so long and, naturally, our concerns for him are growing each day.
“We know Timothy is a keen birdwatcher and his areas of choice are in Baddow, around the A1114, Hylands Park, and the Meadgate Avenue areas and he often wears a distinctive yellow high-viz jacket. We have already released images of him wearing that item.
“We’re really worried about Timothy, and we aim to find him as soon as possible to make sure he’s ok.
“If anyone has any information that could help us – not matter how small or insignificant you believe it is – please contact us.
“I would also urge people who live around the A1114, Hylands Park and Meadgate Avenues area to check their doorbell footage to see if Timothy has passed their homes.”