POLICE looking for a missing from Skipton believe he has been sighted in Windermere.

Matthew John Thornton, aged 45, of Petyt Grove, Skipton, was reported missing by a friend on Sunday 22 January 2012, however he had not been seen for over a week before that time.

Following yesterday’s media appeal, officers have received numerous calls from members of the public and a police officer from Cumbria reported seeing Matthew on Church Street, Windermere on Friday 13 January 2012.

It is believed that Matthew may have travelled to Cumbria by train as there was also a reported sighting of him at Skipton Train Station.

Officers are certain that he is wearing a navy blue raincoat and blue jeans and are urging anyone who sees him or knows where he is to contact them with information.

PC Kirsty Graham, of Skipton Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “I would like to thank the people who have called us with information about Matthew’s whereabouts and it is encouraging that there have been some possible recent sightings of him. However, we are still very concerned for his welfare and would urge people to keep calling us with information.”

Police are continuing to search for Matthew in and around the Skipton area as well as extending their search to the area of Cumbria where he was seen.

Anyone who knows where Matthew is, or has seen anyone matching his description, is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 – select option 2 and ask for PC Kirsty Graham or Skipton Police.