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Family of missing Tunbridge Wells dad Wayne Woodgate say he left the Opera House Wetherspoon pub before disappearance
16:28, 20 October 2024
updated: 18:00, 20 October 2024
A family “fear the worst” after a missing dad-of-seven was last seen shortly after leaving a pub.
Wayne Woodgate was in the Goods Station Road area of Tunbridge Wells on Thursday but has not been seen since or made contact with anyone.
His desperate family say they are searching nearby woodland for the 54-year-old as police grow increasingly concerned for his welfare.
Yesterday, officers released a CCTV image from the day he was last seen at the Opera House, a Wetherspoon pub in Mount Pleasant Road.
The family say two arrests have been made in connection with the disappearance but both people were released on bail.
The missing man’s son George Woodgate told KentOnline: “We are growing more anxious by the minute.
“As days pass, we are all struggling – particularly at night – because we cannot fathom the nature of this.
“We are in bits, trying to band together and keep control of ourselves as we fear the worst.”
George says there has been no contact with his dad since Thursday afternoon as Wayne’s phone has been turned off.
His father has also not spent any money and had a bank card with him.
The 30-year-old says his dad was last seen at about 3.45pm in Good Station Road, near the junction with Belgrave Road.
Wayne is about 5ft 7ins and of slim build.
He has short grey hair and a long grey beard.
Police say he also has some mobility issues and walks with a slight limp.
George says his family – a group of 10 people – are currently searching Sherwood woodlands for the grandfather to 18.
“He is a beloved dad and grandfather,” he said.
“We all love him very much.
“For any of the public who see him, he is a friendly man and is very approachable.
“We will do anything to get him home safe.”
Kent Police has been contacted by KentOnline for an update on the investigation and further details on the alleged arrests made in connection with Wayne’s disappearance.
The family has urged anyone with dashcam footage in the area on Thursday afternoon to contact police.
Anyone with information on Wayne’s whereabouts should call 999 quoting reference 17-0937.
