Cheltenham Festival missing man found safe at home

The pensioner who went missing from Cheltenham Racecourse on Tuesday afternoon has been found safe and well.

Concern was mounting yesterday for the welfare of 70-year-old Philip Lucas, who had been missing overnight having spent the first day of the Cheltenham Festival with friends. He was last seen after the final race on Tuesday, at around 5.50pm.

Police were pleased to confirm yesterday evening, however, that Mr Lucas, who is believed to suffer with dementia, has been found safe and well at his home in Rotherham.

A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Police said last night: "An officer has spoken to Mr Lucas on the telephone and we are pleased to report that he is safe and well.

"We would like to thank everybody for their help in spreading the word in the search for Mr Lucas and their kind words of support for his family."