Friend makes emotional missing man plea

Missing man Brian Reading. (s)

THE close friend of a Warwick man missing for more than a month has issued an emotional appeal for his safe return.

Matt Goode, 40, said he “hoped for the best but feared the worst” as police continue to probe the unusual disappearance of Cape Road resident Brian Reading, 43, who was last seen on July 21 - his birthday - and reported missing the next day.

The pair, who have been friends for nearly three decades, had enjoyed a drink together at Mr Goode's house in St John's and watched horse racing on television.

Mr Reading left there to walk home at about 4pm but has not been seen or heard by friends or family since.

At a media briefing on Monday afternoon (September 3) Mr Goode told how much he missed his friend.

He also appealed for Brian to get in touch with any family member, friends or police to let them know that he was OK.

Warwickshire Police detective sergeant Cindy Stephenson, who is part of the investigation team at Leamington, said: "Our biggest concern at the moment is the length of time Mr Reading has been missing, and I would appeal to anyone with any tiny bit of information about him to come forward and tell us.

“Even if you think we already know. It's better for us to have it twice.”

Mr Reading is described as being 5'8 tall, of medium build and with a shaved head. When he was last seen he was wearing black lace up shoes that came up to his ankles, grey/blue jeans and a black long sleeved top with a white inset at the V area.

Anyone with information is asked to dial 999 immediately or contact Warwickshire Police on 101 or 01926 415000.

Regional news »