A heartfelt plea was made last week by Ann Margaret Allan, sister of missing man Samuel Townsley, looking for information on his whereabouts.

Samuel, 28, was reported missing on January 26 this year, having last been seen in Union Street in Glasgow on October 19 last year.

Officers have also received a report that Samuel may have visited the Marie Trust in Midland Street, Glasgow later that day.

He was reported missing by his father, who lives in Kilwinning, but Samuel has no permanent address and is known in various areas of Scotland including West Dunbartonshire, Grangemouth, Renfrewshire and Bonnybridge, where Ann, 32, stays.

In her tearful statement Ann said: “He is a son, grandson, brother, nephew cousin uncle and friend and his disappearance has left a gaping void in all our hearts.

“If you are in contact with Samuel please let him know we only want him to get in touch so that we know he is safe and well. He is in no trouble at all, he is dearly loved and needed by those who are looking for him.

“We are praying for his safe return, and Sammy if you see this please come home.”

Samuel is described as white, 5ft3in tall with a stocky build and has short brown hair.

He would often contact family every few weeks to let them know where he is but has gone “past the threshold” of time he would usually be out of contact for.

Chief Inspector Brian Shaw, the area commander for North Ayrshire, said: “At this moment in time our enquiries have taken us all across the country, and I make no exaggeration about that.

“Samuel is an individual who doesn’t reside in one place for too long. He doesn’t keep a permanent residence to date.

“Samuel has associates in, and his family descend from, the travelling community. Samuel has his own lifestyle and he chooses to live that lifestyle.

“Samuel regularly is known to sleep rough and undertakes his lifestyle as he chooses in that respect.”