VIDEO: Appeal for missing Sheffield security guard

James Crothers, aged 62, was believed to be heading to work as a security guard when he was last seen on Wednesday, December 9 - but he failed to arrive.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Whittaker, who is leading the investigation, said: “From what we know about James, this is completely out of character.

“James has never gone missing before and his family are very worried and concerned for his wellbeing.

“We know James left his home on Chaucer Road at around 3.20pm on Wednesday, and walked to the Asda on the same road.

“James is seen here on CCTV buying cigarettes from the kiosk, before leaving the store and heading onto Wordsworth Avenue.

“This isn’t out of sync with James’ routine; he works nights as a security guard for a company in Darnall, and normally catches the number 86 bus from Wordsworth and Deerlands Avenue into the city, then catching a second bus to Darnall.

“James made a call to a work colleague at around 5.55pm that evening, just over an hour before his shift was due to start.

“This is the last contact anyone has had with James. He didn’t turn up at work and hasn’t returned home and we are very concerned as to his whereabouts.

“If you have seen James, or if you know where he may be, I would urge you to please make contact with police as your information could prove vital in locating James and ensuring he is safe and well and back home with his family for Christmas.”

James is white, of a slim build and 6ft tall. When he left for work that day, he was wearing his security uniform; black shoes, black trousers, a black jacket with ‘Triton Security’ written on it, a red jumper and a red overcoat.

If you can help, call South Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 22 of December 10, 2015.