Police have launched an urgent appeal to trace a vulnerable elderly man who cannot cannot speak and communicates by paper and pen.

Brian Gilliland, 72, had recently suffered a bereavement and had been at a respite centre in Strathbungo, Glasgow.

He was reported missing from the centre at 8am on Tuesday and was last seen in the city centre at 10.30am.

Mr Gilliland, from Clarkston, East Renfrewshire, has Alzheimer's disease and dementia, and his family are growing concerned for his welfare.

Officers say he communicates with paper and pen. He is described as white, 5ft 9in and of slim build with grey hair.

He is thought to be wearing black jeans, glasses, a V-neck jumper and a blue zipper.

Inspector Alan Rodgers at Cathcart Police Office said: "Mr Gilliland has suffered a recent bereavement and was in respite care overnight to help him. Although Mr Gilliland often goes out and about, it is out of character for him to go out alone.

"He suffers from Alzheimers and Dementia and is unable to speak and his family are becoming concerned for his well-being.

"I would urge anyone who has seen him this morning or anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact Cathcart Police Office through 101."