AN elderly man who went missing from his home in Wallingford may have travelled to Reading, police fear.

James Spence, 88, was reported missing in the early hours of Thursday morning after going out for a walk but not returning.

Officers believe he may have walked or caught a bus to Reading or Oxford.

Mr Spence is described as white, 6ft tall, of slim build, tanned, with short grey hair. It is believed he is wearing dark formal style trousers, a light blue and beige striped shirt, and a dark cardigan, with chunky black formal shoes.

Inspector Martin Ford, who is leading the search, said: “I would like to speak to anyone who sees James or anyone who matches his description.

“He is a keen walker and uses bridleways and off road footpaths. I’d particularly like those in the Wallingford, Didcot, Wantage, Blewbury, Aston Tirrold, Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, Benson, Moulesford, Goring, Streatley, North and South Moreton and Abingdon communities to look out for him and report any possible sightings as he may have walked or caught the bus to these locations.

“James occasionally catches buses from Benson and may have travelled to Oxford or Reading so I would like to appeal to any bus users or people in those areas to also report information on his whereabouts.

“We are concerned for him due to his age and the length of time he has now been missing.

“I appreciate the public may wish to assist us and would request you do this by keeping an eye out for James while going about your daily business, looking in gardens and outbuildings and by reporting any possible sightings to police immediately.

“Oxfordshire Lowland Search and Rescue volunteers are assisting police with efforts to locate James.”

If you have any information about James Spence’s whereabouts please call the 24-hour Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101 quoting the reference 90 9/8.