Lee Horton phoned his family to tell them he was in Bristol but was jumping on the train home, however he never returned and is now missing after noone has heard from him since Tuesday, March 11
The baffling case of a man who vanished after boarding a train is nearing its second week.
Lee Horton, 36, was reported missing on Wednesday, March 12, with his last known contact being around midday Tuesday, March 11. Lee, from Worcestershire, had told his family he was in Bristol and would be taking a train home. Despite purchasing a ticket to Worcester in cash, police have now confirmed that he never got off the train at his stop.
Lee attempted to secure accommodation in Bristol early on Tuesday, and later visited a bank in Clifton, according to an Avon and Somerset Police report. CCTV footage confirms his presence on Upper Maudlin Street at 10.45am and Queens Road around 11am on Tuesday.
Lee is described as a white male, 5ft 11, with short dark brown hair, a beard, and a distinctive birthmark on his right arm. He was last seen wearing a blue jacket, dark jeans, and carrying a large black rucksack with red tags.
All leads are being pursued, including thorough CCTV checks and enquiries with local hotels.
Lee’s anxious family travelled to Bristol and met with senior investigating officers on Friday, March 14. While they said that Lee enjoys visiting new places and his trip to Bristol isn’t out of the ordinary, they stress that it is highly unusual for him to lose contact.
Detectives said that he purchased a ticket to Worcester and boarded a train around 2.40pm on Tuesday, March 11. However, he skipped that stop and got off at Gloucester station at 3.33pm. The most recent sighting places him leaving ASDA Gloucester and heading towards Station Road at 3.46pm.
Detective Inspector Tim Mullins said: “Throughout this investigation we have kept an open mind and followed up every potential sighting and piece of information.
“Carrying out CCTV enquiries is challenging work. In many cases only certain staff at premises with private CCTV can access the system, while others require a formal application to a head office, adding delays to the process.
“We can now be confident that Lee travelled out of Bristol by train as planned, but remain concerned for his welfare as he has yet to return home or contact his family. We will work with our colleagues in Gloucestershire Police to progress the enquiry.”
If you know where Lee is now, please call 999, or ring 101 with any other information. Avon and Somerset Police reference 5225073912.
People are also being asked to check dashcam, CCTV and other footage for sightings. Police would also like the public to alert them if they find the large black rucksack with red tags matching Lee’s description.
It is also recommended to check outbuildings in case Lee sought shelter.
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