Police launch fresh appeal for missing Bolton man

Police have launched a fresh appeal on the first anniversary of a Bolton man being reported missing from home.

One year ago today, 3 August 2016, 35-year-old James Hodgkiss was last seen wheeling a black hand-luggage bag towards Bolton Town Centre.

He is white, around 6ft 2in tall, of a slim build with blue eyes, short, dark hair and stubble.

He was last seen wearing dark blue tracksuit bottoms, a dark coloured Nike t-shirt, black and white trainers and a dark blue jacket with a fur-edged hood.

Since James was reported missing last year a number of searches were carried out with the first incorporating a 300-metre area around Weston Street and Bradford Reservoir.

A further three searches in the Breightmet area were conducted following potential sightings of someone matching James's description and in addition to the searches, financial, CCTV and social media enquiries were undertaken as well as leaflet drops and door-to-door enquiries across the Bolton area.

Officers have been working with British Transport Police, local homeless shelters, and health services, as part of the investigation.

Speaking to their family, in an emotional plea for their father to return home, his two sons aged 11 and 16 and his 13-year-old daughter, said:

Detective Sergeant Andy Devine of GMP's Bolton Borough, said:

• Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 5761 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.