The son of a missing pensioner says he feels like he is living in a nightmare as the search for his dad enters its seventh month.

Former builder Ian Sharp disappeared from his home in Gordon Road, Canterbury, on July 24, having left with his camping gear and a metal detector.

The 68-year-old told his son Andrew he was “popping out for a while” when he stepped out of the door - but he has not been seen since.

“It’s an absolute nightmare - it’s horrible,” Andrew, 35, said.

“There’s no closure or anything because he could be anywhere.

“For all I know, he could have gone camping, had a fall, couldn’t get back up and is still there.

“I have not got a clue where he is and it’s absolutely destroying me.”

'There’s not a day that goes past that I don’t think about him....'

Despite growing concerns for Ian’s wellbeing and no sightings of him since the summer, Andrew “100%” believes his father is still alive.

He says Ian, who has connections to south Wales, withdrew money from his bank account on the day of his disappearance and he thinks his dad then left the city by bus or train.

The dad-of-two is described as being of medium build, with grey hair, a goatee beard and green eyes.

He was reported to be wearing a long-sleeved, green and black camouflage shirt with a German flag on the shoulder when he was last seen.

“I don’t know what to think (about where he is) because as soon as I start, my imagination starts going and I think all sorts of things,” Andrew added.

“I’m really concerned.

“There’s not a day that goes past that I don’t think about him.

“I’ve always had my dad to talk things through with or to help me out and give me advice.

“I’ve never felt so alone in my life.”

Andrew says his father would usually while away the time at The Salvation Army in White Horse Lane, Canterbury, or at the library at the city’s Beaney Museum.

A police spokesman says officers have been carrying out inquiries since Ian was reported missing and insists the family have been kept updated when appropriate.

They are continuing to appeal for information to locate him, and are urging anyone who knows his whereabouts to call them on 101, quoting the reference number 25-1407.

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