Police 'extremely concerned' for missing 77-year-old grandad from Skelmersdale
Police are "extremely concerned for the welfare" of a pensioner who has been missing for a week.
Brian Blakeman was last seen in Skelmersdale on 5 December around 9am in navy jeans and a blue fleece jacket, with an Everton FC badge attached to it.
His daughter Tracey said the Everton fan was last seen by his partner having breakfast before heading out for a walk.
His family say he is living with dementia, and police have said "he might appear to be confused."
A picture of Brian was shown to nearly 40,000 people at Goodison Park before his club's match against Newcastle.
Since his disappearance, Lancashire Police have called on local residents to check their gardens, garages, and sheds for Brian.
Teams have covered 14sq km of open land, including Beacon Country Park, Dalton Lees, Holland Moor, Tower Hill, West Pimbo, Tawd Valley Park, Westheads Clough, Delf Clough and Elmer’s Green.
A police helicopter has also been involved in the search, alongside search dogs and a mounted rescue team.
The North West Underwater Search Unit are also searching three areas of open water, Lancashire Police said.
Beacon Country Park, the old golf course near Dalton, and the Tawd Valley Park have been searched extensively.
Officers added they are also now covering arterial routes in the Skelmersdale area, including 26 roundabouts.
"We know these are places the public pass everyday, but in some areas they are quite large and overgrown, so we'll be focusing here," the force said.
It added: "We would encourage the public to share our appeal – it is possible Brian has walked some distance or used public transport. He could have made it as far as Parbold, Orrell, Bickerstaffe or Westhead.
"We are working with local bus and rail providers, as well as Merseyside and Greater Manchester Police to find Brian.
"We would also continue to ask any residents in Tanhouse, Fosters Green and Digmoor to check their CCTV and doorbell camera footage for between 9am and 4pm on Tuesday (December 5), for a possible sighting of Brian.
"If you were driving in those areas and have dashcam, please check your footage."
Police are also looking to speak to the driver of a black SUV who was on Beacon Lane around 3.30pm on the day Brian went missing.
In footage obtained by officers, a man who could potentially be Brian can be seen walking down the road, but a black SUV blocks him from view.
The police force has praised the Skelmersdale community for their support in finding Brian.
In a statement, they said: "The public's support as we search for Brian, 77, has been invaluable and we know just how concerned they are for him – the community spirit shown by the people of Skelmersdale has been heartfelt.
"We all want the same outcome, to find Brian safely and get him back to his family and loved ones.
"Thank you all for your support, and again we urge anyone who thinks they have seen Brian to come forward."
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