Raymond Powell, 73, who is diabetic and suffers from Alzheimer's disease, went missing from The Beeches care home just after midnight.

Mr Powell, who is a retired clergyman from Roydon, near Diss, is described as white, 5ft 11ins, of medium build, with light brown collar-length hair with grey flecks and a grey beard.

It is believed he is wearing a green jacket with beige trousers and brown shoes.

Supt Katie Elliott said: "Our priority is to find Mr Powell safe and well.

"I am appealing to all residents in East Harling to check their outbuildings and gardens as there is a possibility Mr Powell has taken shelter there.

"In the early hours of Tuesday, the Search and Rescue helicopter from Wattisham Airfield carried out a thermal image scan in the immediate area of East Harling.

"Throughout today the Norfolk Police helicopter has been searching all roads, train lines, riverbanks and footpaths within a four-mile radius of East Harling.

"Police officers and volunteers have also been searching nearby woodland and those searches are likely to continue tomorrow morning.

"Because Mr Powell is diabetic, he is most likely to be feeling weak, confused and incoherent. It is possible he may not even respond to his name."

If anyone has seen Mr Powell or has any information of his whereabouts, contact Norfolk Constabulary on 0845 4564567.

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