POLICE helicopters and mounted rescue teams are sweeping west Essex today in a desperate attempt to find a pensioner who has gone missing from a care home.

Officers say they fear for the safety and welfare of 75-year-old John Scarfe, who has not been seen since Friday evening.

Staff at Jessopp Court in Shernbroke Road, Waltham Abbey, reported him missing on Saturday morning after noticing his bed had not been slept in.

Mr Scarfe is described as white, 5ft 4ins tall and of medium build.

He walks with a pronounced limp due to an injury to his left foot, and has black hair and black frame glasses.

It is not known what he was wearing at the time he went missing.

Police first conducted a search for him yesterday, but said they were "extending" it today.

Searches have been carried out near waterways in the Waltham Abbey area.

Anyone who thinks they may have seen Mr Scarfe in the past three days is urged to call police on 0300 333 44 44 .