POLICE have stepped up their hunt for a missing blind man after his guide dog became seriously ill this week. David Gray (pictured left), 44, left his Brighton Hill home 10 days ago with £100 cash and a holdall packed with clothes.

He was reported missing by his wife Hazel when she returned to their Novello Close home to find it empty at about 1pm on January 2.

Detectives have confirmed that Mr Gray, who was wearing light-coloured clothes, thick glasses, a fluorescent jacket and carrying a white stick, boarded a train at Basingstoke station on the afternoon he went missing. He had bought a ticket to Reading.

Officers also say they have received numerous calls from people claiming to have seen Mr Gray at various sites including Newbury, Amesbury and Reading along the Thames Valley corridor.

Mr Gray's eight-year-old guide dog Soda, who has been his companion for the last six years, has been poorly since surgery for a dental problem last week.

On Tuesday, she was rushed back to vets in Woking for further treatment.

Police say her recovery has probably been hampered by her owner's disappearance and are appealing for Mr Gray to return home to help his dog and be reunited with his anxious family.

Pc Dave Wise told The Gazette: "Obviously we are extremely concerned for his welfare and ask him to get in contact with any local police station as soon as possible.

"Mr Gray's wife Hazel has exhaustively contacted friends and family in and around the area but he has not been in contact with any of them."

Mr Gray is described as white, about 6ft tall, with dark hair which is greying at the edges, blue eyes and of stocky build.

Anyone who knows where Mr Gray is, or thinks they may have seen him around the region, is asked to contact Pc Wise at Basingstoke CID on 0845 045 45 45.