The partner of a missing man today made a desperate plea for him to get in touch.

Kerry Dunn fears for the welfare of Martin Jefford who disappeared nearly two weeks ago leaving his beloved pet labrador, Jet, in his van.

Since then, family and friends have not heard from him.

Kerry, 39, said: "Martin if you see this, please get in touch.

"We are all worried. Your mum, son Thomas and all your friends. Just let someone know you are safe."

Kerry, who has lived with Martin, 49, in Stoughton, near Oadby, for four years, said: "He loves animals. That is why we are so worried about him. He would not just leave Jet on her own in a van.

"He really loves that dog and loves walking her. She is pining for his return."

Speaking at a press conference at Harborough police station, she said: "His mum is in her eighties and she is worried sick. His 16-year-old son, Thomas, is in Canada and he has tried to get in touch with him."

Kerry said Martin had been down since he had to have a pet rottweiler put down last year.

Lifelong friend Tibor Kracher, 50, from Coventry, said: "Martin is such a clever person. He is a great guitar player and keen motorcyclist.

"He is a skilled locksmith and before that he was a cobbler.

"I just can't believe he has gone like this."

Another close friend, Steve Powell, 50, of Uppingham said: "He loves the outdoors. He often used to go to Abraham Heights, in Matlock, and other beauty spots, but I have never known him to go off like this before."

Friends became worried when he vanished after he visited the King William public house, in Earl Shilton, on Friday, February 20.

Sergeant Gaynor Turner, from Harborough police, said: "We're very concerned that he's not made contact with anyone for well over a week.

"We've been making a number of inquiries in the Earl Shilton area, where he was last seen, and have also been speaking to people who knew him to try to establish where he might be.

"Martin has a son in Canada who has also expressed concern about where his dad may be."

Sgt Turner said they were liaising with Derbyshire police because he enjoyed visiting that county.

She added: "We'd urge Martin to please make contact, to let us know he is safe and well so that we can reassure family and friends."

Police believe he was wearing light-blue faded denim jeans, a dark blue zip-up top with a Keythorpe Lock logo on it. He may have changed his clothes since then.

She said: "He has a recent head injury which required stitches which we believe are still in place."

Anyone who knows where Martin is, or thinks they have seen him, is asked to contact the duty sergeant at Harborough police on 0116 222 2222.