Wife's concern for missing South Shields FC fan

Dad-of-one Ian Smith left his home on Monday morning and hasn't been seen by his family since.

The 39-year-old is a keen supporter of South Shields FC and regularly visits the town to attend matches and cheer on the club.

His wife, Tracy, 37, is asking people to help return him home to her.

She said: "He had lost some money and left the house quite upset at about 9am on Monday. He didn't have a phone, money, clothes, or anything with him, he just walked out.

"I thought he was just going for a walk to clear his head, but now I haven't seen him since and I'm worried sick about him."

Tracy, who has a five-month-old son, Logan, with Ian, says his entire family is worried about him.

She said: "If anybody sees him, please call the police or bring him home. His whole family is worried sick about him, nobody can eat or sleep.

"I just want him to come home. This is completely out of character. He has stayed out overnight before, but he usually goes to his uncle's and he hasn't been there, and he always calls the next morning to say he's coming home, but I haven't heard a thing from him this time.

"His brothers and sisters are really worried about him and I just want him to come home to his family, he loves the baby and we just want him back."

Police are appealing for anyone who has seen Ian, who is from Gateshead, to get in touch.

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: "We received a report about Ian Smith being missing on Monday, May 23, and inquiries are ongoing to locate him. Anyone with information should contact police on 101."