Missing Aldwick man found

James Packham, of Wilman Gardens, went missing from his home at about 7.45pm last night (Sunday).

He was found this morning, (Monday) safe and well in Croydon, South London.

There was particular concern for Mr Packham as he suffers from dementia and is in poor health.

The search for Mr Packham involved helicopters, dogs and officers on foot and in vehicles through the night and into this morning.

The volunteer Sussex Search and Rescue team assisted with the search.

A Sussex Police spokesman said; “We were concerned for Mr Packham because of his state of confusion and poor health. However this morning we learned someone who knows him had seen him getting on a bus in Bognor yesterday evening.

“Shortly after we received that information we had a call from police in Croydon saying he had just called at a house there, near where he used to live until about ten years ago. He was in a confused state but unharmed.

“It seems Mr Packham had made his own way by buses to Littlehampton where he caught a train to Croydon last night.

“We were grateful for the assistance of local people who helped the search and we are relieved to know he is safe. He will be returned to his family in Aldwick.”