POLICE searching for missing school deputy head Mark Bushnell have scoured a popular caravan park.

The father-of-three, from Durham City, was reportedly spotted by a member of the public at Crimdon Dene on the County Durham coast.

The caller told police they saw a man matching the description of 50-year-old Mr Bushnell at 8am on Monday (March 10) at the Crimdon Caravan Park.

Police searched the caravan park but were not able to find him.

Mr Bushnell, who has worked at Durham School for more than 20 years, went missing from his home on Sunday (March 9) morning.

Police say there is no apparent reason for the disappearance, which has heightened concern for his wellbeing.

Chief Inspector Andy Huddleston said: "This is a new possible sighting of Mark and, although unconfirmed, we are treating it seriously.

"We have informed Mark's family of this sighting and are continuing to follow a number of lines of enquiry.

"Specialist teams are concentrating their searches from Crimdon Caravan Park towards the stables at Crimdon Dene.

"Cleveland Police Marine Unit and the Police Air Support Unit are assisting with the search along the coast.

"We continue to appeal to the public for assistance in locating Mark.

"Anyone who thinks they may have seen him since 11.30am on Sunday morning should call police on 101."

Mr Bushnell spent Saturday in London watching the school rugby team, which included his eldest son Jacob, in a cup semi-final.

He left home on Sunday morning to take some washing to a launderette because the family washing machine was broken.

His car, a grey Citroen C3, was found at Blackhall Rocks early on Monday morning .

After police issued an appeal for help, walkers said they saw him at Blackhall Rocks on Sunday.

The coastline from Seaham to Hartlepool has been searched with the help of other organisations, including the Coastguard.

Police say there is no "criminal element'' to his disappearance and don't believe anyone else is involved.

If you see Mr Bushnell call the non emergency line, 101.