AN INVESTIGATION has been launched following the mystery disappearance of a Bournemouth man during a holiday in Croatia.

The police and British Embassy were alerted after tourist Peter Rushton was reported missing on October 18.

The 30-year-old from Russel Road, Kinson, has not been seen since October 14.

Mr Rushton's photograph and his description were published in Croatian newspapers but there is still no trace of his whereabouts.

The British Embassy has revealed how his personal possessions, including his passport and mobile phone, were later found at the Hotel Pical in Porec where he had booked in on October 11.

Tessa Fras from the British Embassy in Zagreb said: "We are aware of the disappearance of British citizen Peter Rushton while on holiday in Istria."

It is believed that Mr Rushton flew to the Istrian peninsula from Bournemouth airport with a group of British tourists on October 11.

The alarm was raised when Mr Rushton, who suffers from epilepsy, failed to return on a flight to Bournemouth at the end of his holiday.

"The Croatian police initiated a countrywide missing persons alert on October 19, following initial local inquiries.

"An intensive investigation into his disappearance is now under way," Ms Fras added.

A statement from the consular section of the British Embassy said: "The embassy has been in regular contact with the authorities involved and his family since Mr Rushton's disappearance was reported to us on October 18. The embassy has been offering support to his family in the UK."

Anyone who knows of Mr Rushton's whereabouts is being urged to contact the Croatian police or the British Embassy.

First published: November 7