A MAN missing for a fortnight may have had a near miss with a taxi as he stumbled into a road a week ago, police say.

Darren Waller has not been seen by family or friends since about 5.30pm on Sunday, January 9.

Kathleen Waller has now followed her son's former wife Lisa Gleaves and daughter Kayleigh Waller in urging him to come home.

"Darren, we just want you to come home or let someone know that you are safe," she said. "You're not in any trouble, we just need to know that you are okay.

"I would love it if you could come and visit me in hospital.

"We are all very worried about you and the children are missing you so much."

Mr Waller is believed to have been spotted in the Lancaster Road and Powlett Road area of Hartlepool, on Friday, January 14, between 5pm and 7pm.

Police say he may have narrowly avoided being hit by a yellow Skoda taxi after stumbling into the road.

He was wearing a blue hooded top, scarf wrapped around his face, dark bottoms and Reebok Classic trainers Detective Inspector Anne-Marie Salwey, of Cleveland Police, said: "We need to know that he is safe and well.

"Darren's family are extremely worried about him and it is out of character for him not to have contact with his children."

Mr Waller is described as 5ft 8ins, white, with a shaved head and tattoos on his hands and arms.

Witnesses are asked to call Cleveland Police on 01642-326326.