THE family of a missing Weymouth man will be making a public appeal for him to come home at a press conference today.

They hope their heartfelt pleas for Nicholas Stephen Crocker – ‘Don’t panic, don’t worry, come home’ – will reach him and encourage the 55-year-old to return.

Mr Crocker’s step-daughter, Kate Willis is expected to lead the press conference at 2pm at Weymouth’s police headquarters, accompanied by other family members.

Family liaison officer for Dorset Police, PC Vicky Iveson said Mr Crocker’s family were desperate for news.

It is thought that the ‘kind, gentle’ gamekeeper of 30 years, is a possible risk to himself.

He had been complaining of various ailments over the last couple of weeks before his disappearance.

PC Iveson said: “We’ve got no news at all at the moment.

“The family want Mr Crocker to come home and we’re still waiting for a sighting to react to really.

“It’s very difficult but we hope with public support we will get him home. The family want him to know there is nothing to worry about and to please come home.”

Mr Crocker, of Dorchester Road was last seen early last Wednesday morning and was reported missing at 9am that day.

More than 40 police officers and volunteers from Dorset Search and Rescue service have scoured woodland, bracken and open hillside near Hardy’s Monument where Mr Crocker owned land and spent much of his free time.

They have also searched stables and land at School Hill in Chickerell, around Chafey’s Lake and Two Mile Coppice to no avail.

Detectives in Weymouth have also renewed their appeal for public help to find Mr Crocker.

Officers in the town’s criminal investigation department (CID) have received ‘a good dozen’ calls from members of the public relating to the search for Mr Crocker but all leads have so far been unfruitful.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: “It’s been a positive response but some have been a bit spurious – clearly not about him but made with good intentions.

“Others have been potential leads and we’ve had officers out searching.

“We’re still appealing for any information from anyone who has seen Mr Crocker or who knows where he could be.”

He added: “The press conference is for the family to have a chance to appeal to the public directly.

“If it’s the case that Mr Crocker is hiding out somewhere and reluctant to return, the family want him to listen to them and come home.”