POLICE looking for a missing young man appealed for him to make contact as they searched a North-East village for clues into his disappearance.

Daniel Ferry, aged 24, has not been seen since mid-afternoon on Thursday, May 29, when he left his home at Oxford Street, in Eldon Lane, near Bishop Auckland.

There was an ongoing police presence in the village throughout the weekend as the search for Mr Ferry unfolded.

Inspector Neal Bickford said: “Daniel does not have access to a car so it is quite possible he was using public transport on Thursday afternoon.

"Daniel’s family and friends are worried about him as it is unusual for him not to make contact.

“I would urge Daniel to contact the police, so we can be reassured he is safe and well.”

Insp Bickford said enquiries suggested Daniel may have been in the Quayside or Westgate Road area of Newcastle over the weekend.

He added: “If anyone thinks they have seen Daniel or has any information whatsoever regarding his whereabouts, please get in touch with police.”

Mr Ferry is described as 5ft 3ins tall, with short blond hair, blue eyes and of slim build.

He was wearing a light grey, long-sleeved sweatshirt with blue jeans when he left his home on Thursday.

A police cordon was in place around part of a grassed embankment and bushes on the main road through Bridge Place and Eldon Lane, which was lined with emergency services’ vehicles.

Members of the Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team were involved in searching the area for clues into Mr Ferry’s disappearance and the police helicopter was hovered low near the village for a short period this afternoon. (SUNDAY)

The back lane between Oxford Street and Regent Street was cordoned off and forensic teams were seen to be carrying out investigations at a house in Oxford Street.

Small groups of concerned residents gathered to watch the investigations taking place.

One man said: “I have never seen anything like this, it is like something you normally see on the television.”

Another resident added: “It is a bit scary because we do not know what is going on.”

Anyone with information about Mr Ferry’s whereabouts should call Durham Police on 101.