Appeal for missing Lancaster student

(Updated, 5/10/11 - Please note that this man has now been found safe and well, story retained for archive purposes): Police are appealing for information about the whereabouts of a 22-year-old Lancaster student who has gone missing from college.

David James Whitefield was last seen at Lancaster and Morecambe College on Morecambe Road around 12.00pm lunchtime and his current whereabouts are unknown.

David, who lives on Cleveleys Avenue,Lancaster suffers from autism and is likely to be lost.

PC Bolton King from Lancaster Police said: “David is awkward and shy in social situations and does not go anywhere unescorted; therefore we are treating him as extremely vulnerable.

“He may believe he is in trouble but I would like to reassure him that he is not. If anyone thinks they have seen David or know where he could be I would urge them to contact Lancaster Police.”

David is described as white, slim, around 5ft 4inches tall with short dark brown hair. He was wearing a navy blue hooded top with dark jeans and was carrying a black daysack with Superdry written on the back and shoulder strap.