Missing driver's truck discovered

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Detectives who are looking for a truck driver who has been missing for four days say they have found his vehicle.

Royston Hawkes, 65, from Talbot Green, Rhondda Cynon Taf, did not return home after making furniture deliveries in the London area on Saturday.

The lorry he was driving has now been found parked up in Hayes, near London, close to where he made his last delivery.

South Wales Police are urging Mr Hawkes to contact either them or his family.

Mr Hawkes is a contract driver for a number of delivery firms around the UK.

On Saturday police said he carried out pick-ups in Kent and London, making four stops.

We are keeping an open mind about what has happened but if Mr Hawkes sees this appeal we would ask him to please contact us or his family right away Det Insp Tony Butt

He was driving a seven-and-a-half tonne Mercedes truck, registration number CN54 JJV, with a white cab and orange body with the words 'Sofa Sofa' printed in white on the sides.

His last collection was at Yeading Lane, Hayes, Middlesex at about 1630 BST after which he was seen heading towards the M4.

But police said he failed to return home to south Wales that night and his family reported him missing.

The truck he was driving was found at 1550 BST on Wednesday parked near the Hayes Parkway, close to his last stop, but there was no sign of the missing driver.

Det. Insp Tony Butt of Pontypridd CID said: "We have discovered the truck Mr Hawkes was driving close to where he would have made his last stop in Hayes but there is still no sign of him.

'Open mind'

At this stage we do not know why he has not returned home, why he has stopped at this spot or why he has not contacted family.

"There may be a reason why he has left his vehicle and gone elsewhere but we would urge anyone who knows where he is or has knowledge of his movements in the last few days to get in touch.

"We are keeping an open mind about what has happened but if Mr Hawkes sees this appeal we would ask him to please contact us or his family right away."

Mr Hawkes is 5ft 8in tall, of medium build, and has grey hair.

He is believed to have been wearing a blue v-neck jumper, jeans, a navy jacket and brown trainers.

Anyone with information about Mr Hawkes's movements or whereabouts is asked to call Pontypridd CID on 01656 655 555.