The mystery continues in the case of a missing Worcestershire man who caught his train home but never returned. Lee Horton, 36, got in touch with his family on Tuesday, March 11, informing them that he was in Bristol and intended to catch a train home. This visit reportedly wasn’t anything out of the ordinary for adventurous Lee, who is said to enjoy visiting new places.
What happened next, however, has left police officers perplexed. Lee, from Evesham, paid for a ticket back to Worcester station. However, Lee never disembarked there, and the following day, his worried family reported him missing.
Now detailed CCTV enquiries have revealed that Lee did set off from Bristol but got off the train at Gloucester station later that afternoon. Following this latest revelation, officers are piecing together Lee’s final steps as the search continues.
On the morning of March 11, Lee attempted to book himself into a Bristol hotel but was turned away as they wouldn’t accept cash. As financial and phone checks show no activity since midday on March 11, when Lee last contacted his family, police have tracked his journey using CCTV. Nearly 100 cameras show him making his way from Upper Maudlin Street back to Bristol Temple Meads station.
Detectives have confirmed that Lee paid in cash for a ticket to Worcester, catching his train at approximately 2.40 pm. After travelling to Worcester Shrub Hill station, officers were able to establish that he didn’t leave the train there.
Upon checking each station on the route, it was determined that Lee had stepped off the train at Gloucester. CCTV shows him leaving Gloucester station at 3.33pm, with the latest sighting showing him leaving ASDA Gloucester before heading towards Station Road at 3.46pm.
All leads are currently being pursued, including CCTV checks and hotel enquiries. On Friday, March 14, Lee’s family journeyed to Bristol, where they met with senior investigating officers.
Detective Inspector Tim Mullins has issued the following statement: “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.”
Lee is described as 5ft 11ins tall and white with short dark brown hair and a beard. He has a distinguishing birthmark on his right arm. At the time of his disappearance, Lee was wearing a blue jacket and dark-coloured jeans and had been carrying a large black rucksack with red tags on it.
If you know where Lee is now, please call 999, or ring 101 with any other information. Avon and Somerset Police reference 5225073912.
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