Search for a missing man from Luton

Specialist officers have carried out a river search in a bid to find a Luton man who went missing after an office Christmas party in Essex.

Ed Gillespie has not been seen since he left the party at the Roydon Marina Hotel near Harlow in the early hours of December 22.

The 38-year-old, from Luton, worked for equipment testing company Bureau Veritas and was reported missing by relatives after he failed to return home.

Search teams from Essex Police have spent a week scouring the riverbanks and waterways of the River Stort for any signs of clothing.

On Friday, they found Mr Gillespie's spectacles but their efforts to locate him have been hampered by high water levels, Essex Police said.

On Tuesday, the search team were joined by specialist volunteers from Essex Lowland Search and Rescue as they continued their search.

Mr Gillespie was last seen wearing blue jeans, a blue and grey small checked long-sleeved top and green trainers.

Anyone with information is urged to contact detectives at Loughton police station.