POLICE are becoming increasingly concerned about the wellbeing of a pub landlord from Shrewton.

Malcolm Levesconte, 59, was last seen at the Royal Oak on Sunday, December 9.

He had been running a thrift club for villagers, and there is no sign of the £29,000 saved by 60 people.

Detectives investigating his disappearance have confirmed that Mr Levesconte booked a return ferry ticket to St Malo in France on Sunday and boarded a ferry at Portsmouth.

Police are working with the relevant agencies in France to try to trace him.

DS Mike Standing from Salisbury CID said: "We are becoming increasingly concerned for Mr Levesconte's safety and continue to treat his disappearance as a missing person inquiry.

"We would strongly urge anyone who thinks that they have information about his whereabouts to come forward and speak to us. “If you have heard from Mr Levesconte or had contact with him near to when he went missing and think that you have information that would assist us, we would like to hear from you."

Police launched an investigation earlier this week after they were informed of the theft of the money by a member of the public.

DS Standing said: "Many of the victims have already contacted us but we have a list of all of the 60 people that have been contributing to the fund and in the next few days they will all receive a letter from us outlining what action they need to take.

"We are making numerous inquiries to try to establish what has happed to this £29,000 Christmas thrift fund, which has left so many people without the cash they need for presents and food this year."

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Mr Levesconte is asked to contact Salisbury CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.