Search continues for Fylde man missing in Barbados

Detectives in Lancashire are assisting with efforts to find businessman Steven Weare, 49.

He was last seen a week ago on the island, which he is understood to visit regularly.

Police said Mr Weare, from Kirkham, had been staying at Newcastle Plantation House, in the St John area on the east of the island.

Officers in Barbados said they were giving the matter their ‘full attention’ – and the island’s police commissioner had visited asking about the investigation.

Family members, who said last night they did not wish to comment on the matter, are being supported by officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, as well as Lancashire Police officers.

In a public appeal for information, the Royal Barbados Police Force said Mr Weare, who is listed as a director of Fylde Motor Company, based on Preston Street, in Kirkham, was last seen in the car park of a Burger King restaurant on University Drive, in Black Rock, near to the capital Bridgetown in the St Michael’s region, on Wednesday.

The Gazette understands Mr Weare’s family bought property in Barbados several years ago and he frequently flew to the popular tourist spot. It is believed he had been selling cars during his time in Barbados.

In their appeal, Barbados police, who said they were taking the matter extrememly seriously, said Mr Weare was driving a silver Mitsubishi Warrior pickup with the registration number J4000.

He was wearing a white short-sleeved button-down linen shirt, royal blue chinos and a similar coloured pair of loafers.

A spokesman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said yesterday: “Our staff are supporting the family of a British man who has been reported missing in Barbados.  We are in contact with the local police.”

Acting Inspector Rodney Inniss, from the public relations department of the Royal Barbados Police Force, said the investigation was ongoing.

He told The Gazette they were following up several lines of enquiry but were still appealing for anyone who saw anything or who knows anything about the disappearance to contact them.

However he said, they had no major leads as the investigation enters its second week.

Lancashire Police have been informed and an investigation is under way.

A spokesman said: “We are aware of the situation and enquiries are ongoing with the police in Barbados.”