by Jenni Horn

THE parents of a 20-year-old man missing for almost eight weeks made a heart-felt plea for him to get in touch.

Richard Lambert, of Fowey Close, Chatham, was last seen in the early hours of Saturday, June 13.

He had been out with friends in Maidstone and was supposed to be staying at a friend’s house in the area.

He had an argument with his girlfriend and drove away.

He briefly returned home at about 5.45am the following morning but has not been seen since.

Richard's 20th birthday was on Thursday, July 23, but did not not get in touch with family or friends.

His mobile phone has been switched off and he has not drawn any money out of his bank account.

His dad John Lambert, 54, said: “The worst part is just not knowing. If we can just have one phone call to say ‘I’m alright dad’ then we will take it from there.”

Det Insp Anne Lisseman said: “At the moment we are investigating that Richard has chosen not to contact people. We are treating him as missing. There is nothing to suggest Richard has taken his own life. We really need him to get in contact. His mum and dad are traumatised.”

“If Richard doesn’t want to speak to his parents, he can contact us or the missing person hotline. We just want to know he is safe and well.”

“It is crucial for people who may have any information, however insignificant they think it may be, to get in touch. Richard’s car is very distinctive, somebody must have seen it or know where it is.”

Richard is white, 5ft 9in, of stocky build, with short light brown hair and blue eyes.

He was last seen wearing a McKenzie t-shirt. He drives a black Ford Fiesta with the registration plate EY09 YST.

Anyone with information should call Kent Police on 01634 792517 or email amet.medway@kent.pnn.police.uk. or call the Missing People Hotline anonymously on 0500 700700.