Essex Police have issued an urgent appeal after a 90-year-old man visiting Southend went missing on Wednesday evening. The man, identified as David Payne, was last seen in the Cliffs Pavilion area shortly after 5pm on 29 July and has not been in contact with family or friends since.
Immediate police response and public request
Officers are conducting local enquiries and believe Mr Payne remains in the Southend area. Police have asked anyone with information, or anyone who may have seen him, to get in touch urgently.
"If you’ve seen David or have any information that could help us find him, please call 999 and quote incident 1188 of 29 July."
The force statement provides a direct contact route for members of the public. Given Mr Payne's age, police and search teams are treating the case with priority while enquiries continue.
What we know so far
- Name: David Payne
- Age: 90
- Last seen: Cliffs Pavilion area, shortly after 5pm on 29 July
- Police reference: incident 1188 of 29 July
The photograph released by police shows Mr Payne in the clothing he was wearing at the time he was last seen; it was taken on the day he went missing. Officers are asking anyone who recognises him or who may have dashcam, CCTV or mobile footage of the area around that time to come forward.
How the public can help
People in Southend and visitors to the seafront are asked to check nearby green spaces, parks and sheltered areas where someone might rest or become disoriented. If you are with an older relative or neighbour who has memory problems, please check they are safe and contact police if you cannot account for them.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | David Payne |
| Age | 90 |
| Last seen | Cliffs Pavilion area, shortly after 5pm, 29 July |
| Police incident | 1188 of 29 July |
Anyone with information is advised to call 999 immediately, quoting the incident number above. Alternatively, if you have information that is not urgent you can contact Essex Police via their non-emergency channels; however, the force has emphasised the need for immediate telephone contact in this case.
Local residents are reminded that even small details — a sighting, a photograph or CCTV footage — can be crucial in locating a missing person, particularly a vulnerable older adult. Officers remain on duty in the area conducting enquiries and liaising with community groups as the search continues.
