POLICE have renewed an appeal for information about the whereabouts of a dad who has been missing for more than 40 days.

Darren John Lawler has not been seen since he left his home in Ferryhill, County Durham, on Thursday, June 11, saying he planned to visit his father in Wheatley Hill.

A spokesperson for Durham Police said exhaustive enquires to locate the 31-year-old have so far drawn a blank and again appealed to the public for help to trace him.

Since Mr Lawler’s disappearance, neighbourhood and response officers, detectives and search specialists have worked to find him.

Searches have been carried out in areas Mr Lawler is known to frequent, hours of CCTV have been trawled and several lines of inquiry remain open and are being investigated.

Members of Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team have searched the Ferryhill area, including a nature reserve on the outskirts of the town, and friends and family have also held searches.

His partner Ashley Clarke has issued a plea for him to return to her and their four-month-old son Harley.

Sergeant Dave Barker said: “Despite many calls from members of the public with information about possible sightings of Mr Lawler we have been unable to locate him.

“As time passes fears for his wellbeing are growing and his family are desperate for news about him.

“I would appeal to Mr Lawler to either contact us or his family so that we know he is safe.

“If anyone thinks they have seen him and can help in any way to trace him we would urge them to call us.”

Mr Lawler is white, of medium build, with short dark brown hair. He was last seen wearing a grey hoody with jeans and white Nike trainers.

His right upper arm is tattooed with the name Simon, in tribute to his late brother.

Anyone with information is asked to ring 101.