A search and rescue operation has been launched after a firefighter went missing during a Christmas pub crawl.

Anthony Knott, 33, from Lincoln Green, Orpington, had been in Lewes, East Sussex, on Friday night enjoying drinks with friends from work.

The father-of-four was last seen at The Lamb of Lewes pub in Fisher Street at around 7.30pm before becoming separated from his 11 London Fire Brigade colleagues.

He is described as 5 ft 8 ins tall, of medium build with medium brown short gelled hair.

The Orpington Athletic FC player was dressed in a black long sleeve top with a dark denim coat and jeans and black smart shoes.

His fiancée Lucy Otto described his disappearance as "very unusual behaviour".

Appealing for information on Facebook she wrote: "Phone was last on at 7.20pm at the same location. His bank card hasn’t been used.

"There has been no sightings or contact from him since."

Sussex Police said the force was "increasingly concerned" for the former professional footballer's welfare.

Anyone who may have seen Anthony or who knows of his whereabouts is asked to contact Sussex Police online or by phoning 101, quoting serial 727 of 21/12.

If he is ill, injured or thought to be in danger, please dial 999 immediately.

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