Family renew plea two years on from Paignton disappearance of Richard Locker

The family of a Paignton man who went missing two years ago are renewing their appeal for information as police continue to investigate his disappearance.

Richard Locker was reported missing on 5 January 2024. Despite extensive searches and enquiries involving Devon and Cornwall Police and HM Coastguard, he has not been found and remains a missing person.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Pebworth said: “It is two years since Richard was reported missing so we are asking again that members of the public report any information they may have.

“At the time, area searches were carried out by specially trained teams and police drones. We also carried out CCTV enquiries and media appeals, as well as financial and phone enquiries.

“Given that it is two years since Richard was reported missing, this is an incredibly difficult milestone for the family, and it has brought up a lot of emotion for them and renewed hope that someone, somewhere, may still have information about what has happened to him.

“Over that time, we have continued to follow up on any new information and would again ask that if anyone has anything relevant to this case, please get in touch, so that it can be investigated.”

Richard, aged 54, was last seen at his home in Paignton at around 2pm on Thursday 4 January 2024. He left in his vehicle, which was later found in Mill Lane, Torquay, on 5 January during police searches.

He is described as white, pale in complexion, around 5ft 8ins tall, of very slim build, with short grey receding hair. He is known to usually walk with his hands in his pockets. At the time, he may have been wearing a navy fleece, a red and black chequered shirt, and navy or khaki Mountain Warehouse trousers. He also has a “Easy Tiger” tattoo on his right shoulder and may have had a light beige jacket with him.

Richard has links to Torbay, the South Hams and the Stoke area of Staffordshire.

Anyone who has seen Richard or has information about his whereabouts is asked to contact police on 101, quoting log 309 of 5 January 2024.