An emotional appeal for a British man with autism missing in Australia has been issued by his frantic parents.

Benjamin Wyatt, 34, from Bath, was last seen while visiting a beach in Melbourne with family on Tuesday.

No trace of Mr Wyatt has been found by Victoria Police despite an "extensive" land, sea and air search.

His parents have since told of their distress as they called for the return of their son.

Authorities have released a picture of Mr Wyatt in a bid to track him down.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Diana Wyatt urged her son to return, saying her life was "empty" without him.

"Ben has never had a night out on his own before," she said.

"He knows I worry like anything. I'm the world's worst worrier and Ben if you're listening, if you're watching come back.

"He's just a really nice guy to have around and I miss him. My life is empty."

His father, Phil Wyatt, fought back tears as he said: "Keep an eye out for him please, just let the police know if you find him, thank you."

Victoria Police reported that Mr Wyatt, who is not familiar with Melbourne, had been visiting a beach at Half Moon Bay, Black Rock, when he disappeared.

He was left for a short while in the car park by his family at around 2.15pm while they went to collect their car, by which time he had vanished.

The family were due to fly back to the UK on Thursday.

A UK Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are supporting the family of a British national who was reported missing in Melbourne on July 4. We are in contact with the local authorities."