Lancing man's disappearance prompts murder inquiry
A murder inquiry has begun after the disappearance of a man in West Sussex almost two months ago.
Mark Mannings, of Brighton Road, Lancing, was last heard from on 19 April and his family say his disappearance is out of character.
The 54-year-old was a former military bomb disposal expert and worked for the Mines Advisory Group, a charity which removes landmines in poor countries.
Police said they could not prove he was dead but were treating it seriously.
'Family are desperate'
Det Chief Insp Mike Ashcroft said, from Sussex Police, said: "His sudden disappearance is completely out of character.
"He is close to his family but they have not heard from him at all.
"He hasn't used his mobile phone, or carried out any financial transactions, and there are no reported sightings of him.
"There were no signs that he was depressed or may wish to harm himself.
"He seems to have vanished."
"His family are desperate to know what has become of him."