Concerns are growing for a Bedford man who has not been seen by his family since the weekend.

Bill Dove, 57, from Cardington Road, Bedford, has not made contact with his family since Saturday, March 8.

His adult son, who also lives in Bedford, reported him missing after he failed to arrive for his regular Sunday lunch with his elderly mother.

Mr Dove had spent the day with friends, watching the rugby at Bedford Blues' Goldington Road ground, then went on to visit the nearby Balloon pub in Foster Hill Road with them.

He left the pub at about 12.30am on Sunday morning, to walk home on his own, and headed off down the Broadway.

His normal route would have been down the High Street and then behind the Park Inn and the rowing club, and coming out on to the Longholme Way car park and then across Cardington Road to home.

Mr Dove has never been missing before, and officers are very concerned for him because it is out of character for him not to let his family know where he is going to be.

He would never normally miss Sunday lunch with his mother, especially without calling first, and has failed to attend appointments since the weekend that he had previously arranged.

He is described at 6ft 1in tall, white, with short grey hair, a short grey beard and north London accent. He was wearing jeans, a cream checked shirt and white trainers when he left the pub.

Detectives would like to hear from anyone who has seen Mr Dove since Saturday evening, or has information about his whereabouts.

Det Sgt Linda Hollowell said: "We can't find any reason for Mr Dove to have disappeared like this - there is no trace of him at his home.

"If he can see this appeal we would like him to contact us and let us know he is safe and well."

Anyone with information can contact Det Sgt Hollowell on 01234 275254, or missing persons officer Sgt Ian McBrearty on 01234 841212.