THE FAMILY of an avid hillwalker who say he has not been seen since setting off on a hike in North Yorkshire more than two weeks ago, have made a desperate appeal for information.

The family of Kieran Chapman, 38, from Scarborough, say they are certain he had set out on a hike from Harwood Dale Forest on the North York Moors around the end of November and beginning of December.

The search for Kieran began after a member of the public reported to police on December 2 that a red Volkswagen Polo had been abandoned near the forest.

His brother, Steven Chapman, from Bradford, said Kieran was an experienced walker, but they think he may have got into difficulty whilst out walking.

They said Kieran enjoyed his own company and hiking on his own, but he was a “happy and level-headed” man who would rarely embark on a walk without a compass and suitable kit.

He worked at Ward Insulated Panels Ltd in Sherburn, between Malton and Scarborough.

“We believe he has had a nasty accident out on the moors there; it’s very wet. He’s either had an accident or suffered an illness of some type,” said Steven.

“For the last two years he has been obsessed with Alfred Wainwright. He has done literally every walk in the Wainwright guide. He would come back to his car every day and then go out on a walk the next day and the one after that. He had also started doing the Scottish hills.”

No sightings have yet been reported of Kieran. On December 3, police called in Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue to assist in the search. Nothing was found and the search was stood down after three days.

Police are now continuing their enquiries with family and friends of Mr Chapman, in an effort to discover his movements and his possible location. It is believed an underwater search unit may be called in to continue the search now.

Steven Chapman said Kieran had been looking forward to Christmas with his family and had been due to visit his mother and take her out for a meal.

“He had just brought a new flat in Scarborough and was putting down new flooring in it,” said Steven.

“He was also looking forward to Christmas. He was due to visit his younger sister’s house and had been talking about what food he would be taking.

“That weekend he went missing – November 29 – he probably didn’t want to be stuck in his flat. He probably went out for a walk and something dreadful happened to him.

“I’m convinced he was on his way to Goathland. He loved views and loved to be able to stand on a hill and look out at the view.”

Inspector Matthew Millington of North Yorkshire Police believes that the public may also be able to provide vital information to assist with the search.

He said: “We are trying to establish when Mr Chapman was last seen, and we are appealing for the public to help. We believe he may have parked his car, a red Volkswagen Polo, at Harwood Dale sometime in the last few days of November or very early December. “If anyone remembers seeing a man in this car around this time, and can give any information about what he was wearing or which direction he was heading, we would like to hear from them.

“At this point we do not know for certain that Mr Chapman has come to any harm, and we very much hope that he may still be found safe and well. “However it has been a number of days since he has been seen, and his family are obviously increasingly concerned. If he is out there, we would urge him to contact the police and let us know he is safe. “Meanwhile, if anyone has any information that could be helpful to us, or any information about his whereabouts, please call us on 101.”