POLICE have stepped up their hunt for a missing Southampton man this morning.

Officers have now named the man they have spent the weekend looking for both on land and at sea as Barrie Thompson.

The 51-year-old from Southampton has been missing from his home since Thursday and his family are now hugely concerned for his welfare.

Officers leading the hunt believe that he may be in the Woodmill area.

As previously reported by the Daily Echo, police mounted an air and sea search at Woodmill Outdoor Activities Centre after his car was found there on Saturday morning.

Officers confirmed this morning that so far there has been no sign of Barrie and that search will continue today.

Detective Sergeant Will Whale said: "We have no specific information at this time to suggest he is anywhere else but we are keeping an open mind completely as to his whereabouts.

"We do know that in his younger days, he used to go to Dartmouth in Devon with family, and that he likes to play golf and frequents the municipal golf course in Southampton.

"We ask the public to please be on the lookout for him - and call us if you think you have seen and share this picture to spread the message.

"Our message to Barrie, if he hears or reads this, is please come back. Your family are extremely worried. If you think being away is the right thing to do, it’s not - come back and find help.

"We have police teams out today including specialist search teams out today and are continuing all efforts to find him."

Barrie is described as 5ft 11ins, with hazel coloured eyes, is of a big build and has short cropped hair. He also wears glasses.

If anyone has seen Barrie please call police on 101.