Missing Ben Thompson: Volunteers helping police in search

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-21394857

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Volunteers are continuing to help police in their search for a missing rugby fan who disappeared exactly a week ago.

Ben Thompson, 34, from Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, disappeared after watching Wales' opening Six Nations match in Cardiff last Saturday.

His friends last saw him in Cardiff city centre at around 18:30 GMT.

A further sighting was made about 45 minutes later on CCTV in Leckwith but he has not been seen since.

South Wales Police said the search would continue over the weekend.

"We've specialist trained officers doing the detailed searches but we've also got volunteers being assisted by the police," said Ch Insp Dan Howe.

Police divers have been combing the River Ely while search teams also focused on woodlands near to where Mr Thompson was last seen.

Officers are continuing to study CCTV footage and carry out door-to-door inquiries.

Gardens and outbuildings south of Broad Street are also being revisited over the weekend.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Mr Thompson's wife, Jo, made an emotional plea to anyone who saw him on the night he went missing to come forward.

The Welsh Rugby Union backed appeals for help in the search.

Officials urged anyone with information to contact the police and offered support to Mr Thompson's family.

Posters have also been put up around the city appealing for information.

Mr Thompson had travelled up from Pembrokeshire on Friday night with a friend to stay at a hotel near Cardiff Airport.

A large group of colleagues from Mr Thompson's work at South Hook LNG in Milford Haven have joined the search.

Mr Thompson is 5ft 9in (1.75m), with short brown hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing brown leather lace-up boots, jeans, and, possibly, a white shirt with blue thin stripes.

Anyone with information is asked to call the command room at Cardiff Bay Police Station on 02920 338 465.