UNDERWATER rescue teams have been called in as police up their search for a missing man.

Thomas McMorrow was last seen at a Christmas party at the Inn on the Lake hotel at Glenridding, on the shores of Ullswater, at 10.10 pm on Sunday.

Sergeant Laura Millburn said: “We are appealing for Thomas to get in contact with the police, his family or friends to let us know that he is safe and well. We are very concerned about him because this is out of character.

“Thomas was at his Christmas party, enjoying himself with work colleagues and friends. He was last seen at 10:10 pm on Sunday night. As a precaution we are working with underwater search teams, who will be looking around pier and shoreline of Lake Ullswater to see if there are any indications that Thomas may have been in the area.

“If he can hear this appeal, please get in contact with someone, we all just want to make sure you are safe.”

He is described as approximately 5 foot 11 inches in height, slim build and with short brown hair which is receding at the front. He was last seen wearing blue denim trousers, a long sleeved white shirt and brown shoes.

Anyone who knows of his whereabouts or anyone who has seen someone matching his description is asked call Cumbria Police on 101.