Police are appealing for people to check their outbuildings in case a missing man is sleeping there.

Shop owner Steven Ridgley, 46, of Bexhill, was reported missing on January 18.

There was a possible sighting by a motorist of Mr Ridgley walking on the road side near the Boship roundabout A22 Hailsham on 12 February at 5.15am.

However he has not been found and police are renewing their appeal in an effort to trace him.

Sergeant Dave Gill said: “We are getting increasingly concerned with the length of time Mr Ridgley has been missing.

"We are appealing for Mr Ridgley to get in contact with Sussex Police, or his family, to let us know that that he is safe and well. It is possible he is sleeping rough and we would ask residents to check their outbuildings.

"We would also like to hear from anyone who thinks they may know where he is or have seen him. His family say his disappearance is out of character."

Mr Ridgley was last seen at his home in Knebworth Road, Bexhill, around 10.30am. He has links to Hastings where he owns a second-hand shop called S J Cash and Exchange in Castle Street.

He is described as white, 5ft 11in, with brown receding hair. He was wearing grey tracksuit bottoms, a black lightweight waterproof jacket and white trainers.

Anyone with information about Mr Ridgley's whereabouts is asked to contact Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999 quoting serial 642 of 18/1.