A PLEA has been issued for help finding a Cumbrian man who was last seen more than a week ago.

Mario George, 52, has multiple health conditions and family members fear for his safety if he is without medication for a prolonged period.

Zoey Haydon said her half-brother, a grandfather to 12, was last seen on January 6 at Harlow Town railway station in Essex. It is believed he bought a train ticket back to his home village of Ravenglass.

Mrs Haydon said appeals in the last week had brought forth a member of the public who had spotted Mr George in Bush Fair, Harlow, at around 3pm on the day he was last seen. The member of the public said he appeared to have suffered facial injuries.

He was then spotted at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, at about 5.30pm.

“He told hospital staff that he was mugged," said Mrs Haydon.

"He’s got no phone, no money and no medication on him at all. His medication is what’s keeping him alive."

Mrs Haydon said a family friend had contacted the hospital and been told the hospital had discharged Mr George and taken him to the train station.

She said staff at the station had confirmed a ticket was bought to Ravenglass but would not disclose anything else, and that Cumbria Police had searched Mr George's home and found no signs that he had been there.

She is unsure why Mr George was in Essex - he may have been visiting his father or his children and grandchildren.

Mrs Haydon, who lives in Bridgend, south Wales, is fearing 'the worst outcome' but is hoping someone in Cumbria may have seen her half-brother.

She said she was not in touch with Mr George for a long time, until 2010, when they got back in contact. They have kept in touch with each other since then.

"He’s kind, he’s there to help people if he needs to," she said.

"He’s willing to help anyone."

She asked people who had seen her brother to comment on this article or to phone Essex Police with reference 944.