POLICE are renewing their appeal to find Valentin Kachanov, who was reported missing from West Thurrock.

The 27-year-old hasn't been heard from since he called his mother, who lives in Bulgaria, at 7.40pm on February 8.

At around 7am earlier that day, he left his home address to go to the Tesco Extra at Lakeside retail park. He then later went to intu Lakeside shopping centre for 10am.

After withdrawing some money from a HSBC cashpoint and potentially using the Coral betting shop in the centre, his movements are unclear. It's believed he may have returned to his home nearby, or travelled into Grays.

Detective Superintendent Simon Anslow said: “Valentin regularly spoke to his family back in Bulgaria over the phone and for them not to have heard from him for this length of time is really unusual.

“Often when someone goes missing there is something in their background that indicates why. But at this stage of our investigation we have not been able to identify that with Valentin.

“We’ve not been able to identify that he has any debts, drink or drug problems, mental health concerns, or connections with people involved in crime.

“We have no information to indicate he’s come to any harm but we are keeping an open mind and really need your help to locate him.

“Valentin’s family are understandably really worried about him and we’re very concerned too so we need to find him to make sure he’s okay.”

If you've seen or know Valentin, or have any information regarding his whereabouts, please call Essex Police.

Anyone with dash cam footage who travelled along London Road, West Thurrock or West Thurrock Way on Friday February 8 should also speak to Essex Police, in order to help with their enquiries.

If you have information or footage then please contact them on 101.

Alternatively, contact the Crimestoppers charity 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.