POLICE are today stepping up their search for a missing canoeist from Southampton who has not been seen for five days.

Officers say Andrew John Sydes was last seen around 5.30pm last Wednesday. His empty boat was found the following day, on New Year's Eve, at around 1.15pm.

The disappearance of the 56-year-old, who lives in Millbrook Road West, sparked a major search by lifeboat and police marine unit teams.

It is thought he vanished after paddling on the River Itchen near to the old Meridian site, where he lived on a houseboat.

Mr Sydes is described as white, bald and of medium build. He is thought to have been wearing a quilted black body suit, a dark green balaclava with an open face and a woolly hat.

Anyone with information is urged to call Shirley CID on 101.