Gosmore farmer William Taylor has now been missing for three weeks – and North Herts’ chief inspector said today the search had taken officers as far away as Lilley.
Appealing to the public in front of William’s home at Harkness Hall, south of Hitchin, Ch Insp Julie Wheatley said he was being treated as a “high-risk missing person”.
William – whose 70th birthday was on June 11 – was last seen at home at about 9pm on Sunday, June 3.
He had reported the arson of his Land Rover on May 26, but Ch Insp Wheatley said police were unable to definitively connect this at that stage.
Investigations into the arson were at an early stage and no suspects had been identified, she said.
Specialist officers had led a thorough search of the fields and woods around the secluded home William shares with a friend, Ch Insp Wheatley said.
She added that it didn’t appear anything was missing from the house.
Ch Insp Wheatley confirmed police had looked at William’s mobile phone records and bank accounts as part of their investigation, but said she could not give further details at this stage.
“We are carrying out extensive enquiries to find William,” she said.
“This is an unbearable situation for his family, who are incredibly worried.
“William has turned 70 since he has been missing, and his family have not been able to celebrate this happy occasion with him.
“I’m appealing to anyone who might have seen William, or anyone who has information on his whereabouts, to get in touch with us.
“We’re growing increasingly concerned for his welfare – and any information you may have, no matter how small it may seem, could be vital in us finding William.”
William, known to family and friends as Bill, is described as a white man, about 5ft 11in tall. He is of medium build, with short grey hair.
He was last seen wearing a baby-blue shirt, jeans and black wellington boots. Police think he may be wearing a navy-blue boiler suit, which Ch Insp Wheatley said would have been his regular attire as he was a farmer.
Anyone with information that could help the police should call the non-emergency number 101. If you see him, call 999 immediately.
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