Police search for man who went into Ashdown Forest 'without phone': call 999 if you see him

Police are searching for a missing man who went into a forest in Sussex without his phone.
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Paul Perkins, 58, from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, was reported missing around midday on Thursday, May 7 and is known to have travelled by car to Withyham, near Hartfield.

Officers believe he went into Ashdown Forest.

Sussex Police has now taken the lead of the investigation, and a wide-scale search of the forest is being carried out by Lowlands Search and Rescue specialists from across Kent, Surrey and Sussex, with the Sussex Community Search Team.

Police are growing increasingly concerned for Kent man Paul Perkins, who is believed to be missing on Ashdown ForestPolice are growing increasingly concerned for Kent man Paul Perkins, who is believed to be missing on Ashdown Forest
Police are growing increasingly concerned for Kent man Paul Perkins, who is believed to be missing on Ashdown Forest
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Detective Inspector Claire Gill said: “We’re growing increasingly concerned for Paul. His disappearance is out of character and he is not believed to be in possession of a mobile phone. We’re urging anyone who sees him or who thinks they know where he could be to dial 999.

“However, please do not put yourself at risk – we have a number of specialist and highly skilled teams out searching for Paul, and I would like to remind everyone to continue to follow the current government guidelines on social distancing.

“In the meantime, members of the public can expect to see a heightened police presence in the area, which will include the launch of a Sussex Police drone today.”

Paul is described by police as around 6’ 1”, of slim build, with short dark grey hair.

If you see Paul, dial 999 or report it online, quoting serial 876 of 07/05.