Disappearance of Julian De Bono in Ipswich 'out of character'

Sixty-three-year-old Julian was last seen walking in the Yarmouth Road area of the town at about 1.55am on Sunday, December 10. 

UPDATE: Body found in search for missing man

Officers have described his disappearance as "out of character" as fresh CCTV images are released. 

His disappearance has been described as out of character (Image: Suffolk police)

"It is out of character. He has never been reported missing before," said chief inspector Richard Burton. 

"He is well-known in Ipswich as well - he works and lives in Ipswich town centre.

"As a 63-year-old he has lived here for a number of years. The fact he has never been reported missing before, regardless of the circumstances having been out that evening, this is out of character for him not to have returned home and not to have gone to work."

Julian's last moments have been captured on CCTV (Image: Suffolk police)

New images released by Suffolk police show Julian walking along Crown Street prior to when he was last seen. 

He was dropped off by a taxi in Lloyds Avenue at about 12.30am on Sunday morning. 

Julian remained in the area until about 12.37am, before he was further seen heading towards the St Matthew's roundabout.

A final sighting of Julian took place at 1.55am.

Searches have been carried out across Ipswich since the 63-year-old went missing, including in the River Gipping.

Specialist dive teams will be assisting officers on Saturday as police continue to track down Julian. 

"We have done a number of enquiries this week," added chief inspector Burton. 

"Because of the proximity of the River Gipping to the last sighting, we clearly have to include the river.

"We have had support with Suffolk Lowland Search and Rescue, who have been in the water with kayaks as well as using drones.

"We have also brought in specialist dive teams who are due to attend tomorrow to continue the search of the water.

"We are giving both land and water equal measures and the main focus is this part of town, knowing his last sighting was here."

Suffolk police is continuing to ask anyone with information as to Julian's whereabouts to contact the force.

A spokesman for Suffolk police asks that anyone driving in the area at around 1.45am on Sunday checks their ring doorbells, dashcam footage or CCTV for any sightings of Mr De Bono, who was distinctively dressed in bright red trousers when he was last seen.

He was also wearing a white lace shirt and high-shine black shoes.

Mr De Bono has been described as a black man, about 6ft 1ins tall, having a receding hairline, with a trimmed grey and black beard.

Anyone with any information that may help locate him is asked to contact the police by calling 101.