Wife's fury as police close file on husband. VIDEO.

South Yorkshire Police are no longer treating 43-year-old Gary Reet as missing and at risk after claiming there have been a number of "positive sightings" since his disappearance was reported.

But his wife of 15 years, Joanne, said until the police can provide her with CCTV or video footage of him she is unable to believe that he is still living in the city.

She said the fact that he failed to phone or send his son Jason or daughter Jodie cards on their birthdays worries her, and she fears he may be seriously ill or even dead.

Gary left his home on Torksey Road West, Shiregreen, in June, after opening his birthday cards with his wife and children and saying "I'm going".

They have not seen him since and are angry that the police have not provided them with any proof that he is still alive.

Joanne, aged 37, says she is disappointed the police have closed his file.

"The police say they have seen him but until I have proof myself I can't believe it.

"They say to me that there are higher priority cases, but to me Gary should be a high priority - he had a breakdown two years ago and was still going through it when he disappeared, so as far as I am concerned he is not well and anything could have happened to him.

"The fact he hasn't sent birthday cards to the kids worries me because he loves them and I can't believe that he would want to put them through this because he isn't a heartless person.

"I also can't understand why he would want to put us through the hardship of having to survive on 59 a week while he is not here - it is not like him - he loves his family.

"There are days when I think he must be dead and then there are days when I wonder whether someone is letting him stay with them and not telling anyone.

" If that's the case and he doesn't want to come home we just need a phone call from him to put our minds at rest."

A South Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said: "We have carried out extensive enquiries to trace Gary Reet, who was reported missing to the police in June this year.

"Missing persons officers have been in contact with Mr Reet's family and although the case has been closed police have offered to meet with the family and assist further.

"At the time of the enquiry there were several reports from people who knew Gary that had seen him after the time he went missing.

"Often missing people will avoid contact with their family and the police and it is believed Gary may be one of these people.

"Missing persons officers have made arrangements to meet with Gary's family."