A BOLTON man, missing for a month and found yesterday in Blackpool, is set to be reprimanded by police chiefs.
They and the family of Arthur Clowes (pictured) were growing increasingly concerned for his safety following his disappearance on July 11, after he left his home in Slack Fold Lane to visit nearby Lever Edge post office.
Yesterday the BEN printed a plea by his family for him to contact them. Just hours after the newspaper hit the streets, police confirmed the 56-year-old had turned up in the seaside resort.
It is understood Mr Clowes, who had failed to contact family, friends or police during the last four weeks, was found at 9pm on Wednesday.
Chief Insp Alan Green, who spearheaded the four-week search for the former school caretaker, confirmed officers would interview Mr Clowes about his disappearance.
He said: "We will be speaking to Mr Clowes about the manner in which he went missing and about the public resources spent on tracing him.
"A lot of police time which could otherwise have been spent on crime-fighting activities, has been spent looking for him, when all it would have taken was one phone call to his family."
It is the second time Mr Clowes has disappeared. The first time he went missing for a day and a half and was located in Keighley, West Yorkshire.
Yesterday Mr Clowes's wife Irene, 54, and son Stuart, 26, were celebrating after learning that he had been found safe and well.
Their good news came after a month of worry, during which Mrs Clowes says she has lost more than two stone due to stress and strain.
Stuart said: "The first thing I will ask him is where the heck he's been for all of this time. We'd like to thank the police for all they have done.
"They have spoken to the press about his disappearance and I know they have contacted other forces as well."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article