Police are still searching for a man who has been missing from his North Ayrshire home since Boxing Day.

Anthony Lowey, 51, was last seen by a relative when he was dropped off at his home in Hunter Avenue, Ardrossan around 3pm.

After he was formally reported missing on December 29 detectives established a member of the public had spotted him around 3.30pm on the previous day on Glasgow Road, at the junction with Parkhouse Road.

Enquiries have now revealed that before being dropped off he was spotted carrying a Sainsbury's bag for life and a black bin bag, which contained personal items and Christmas gifts.

Mr Lowey is well known in the community and has recently been dealing with some personal issues, with fears growing for his welfare.

He is around 5ft 8in, of slim build and with short brown hair.

Mr Lowey has a goatee and tattoos on his lower arms which say Mum and Dad and Marianne.

When last seen he was wearing a navy blue fleece with a cream jacket over the top.

Officers have conducted a number of enquiries and have used helicopters, specialist search officers and police dogs.

Police are asking members of the public to check their gardens, sheds, garages and outbuildings where he may have sought shelter or left the bags.

A representative for Police Scotland said: "This is a very traumatic time for Tony's family and they are understandably upset, however, I know they have been encouraged by the assistance and support they have received from the people of The Three Towns, and indeed beyond.

"Everyone just wants Tony home and to know he is safe and well.

"We continue to appeal to people to keep an eye out for Tony and to pass on any information they may have regarding him or his whereabouts."

Anyone with information is asked to call officers at Irvine Police Station via 101, quoting incident number 0936 of December 29.