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Was missing man seen watching football?


Published on Thursday 26 August 2010 16:23

The parents of a missing man are hoping a string of recent sightings are their son.

Last week's Observer reported how the family of Piers Hopson are clinging to the hope that the autistic 36-year-old will turn up.

And following their renewed appeal, Hastings Police received news of four possible sightings.

According to Mr Hopson's dad Roger, he was seen in the Crown and Anchor pub in Eastbourne watching England vs Hungary on August 11 and a further three times since then.

One woman even got in touch to say she thinks she let him use her toilet.

Police have followed the sightings but say they have not been able to confirm it was Mr Hopson, who has now been missing for seven months.

Detective Inspector Hannah Willard said: "We have followed these up in the hope that they were of Piers but so far we have not managed to locate him."

She also confirmed that the search for Mr Hopson would remain scaled down. It will be reviewed every six months – although any more sightings will be looked at.

Police are also regularly checking his bank account, which has not been used since he went missing. Mr Hopson suffers from a form of autism and struggles to communicate with members of the public.

He left his home in Southwater Road, St Leonards, on January 25 at around 2.30pm saying he was off for a walk.

Anyone who thinks they may have seen Piers should ring 0845 60 70 999.

Speaking after the sightings, Roger Hopson said: "It could be someone who looks like him, but if this is Piers, it must be just a matter of time now."


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