Kidnap fears over missing boat owner

A 70-year-old man who has disappeared might have been abducted while trying to sell his boat, police said yesterday.

Robert Saint, of Horsham Road, Steyning, West Sussex, was last seen on Wednesday evening.

On Thursday he had been due to take his 45ft yacht, Sundowner, out from Birdham Pool, near Chichester, with another man. The boat was later found at nearby Itchenor, with no trace of Mr Saint.

A 44-year-old man from Bognor Regis was arrested on suspicion of abduction and the theft of the boat. Meanwhile police were searching for Mr Saint.

Detective Chief Inspector Martyn Underhill, leading the investigation, said: "He may be somewhere safe and well and if he is we need to speak to him urgently so we can end our search. However it is also possible that he has been abducted or injured and we are therefore calling for any witnesses who may have seen him to come forward."

Yesterday police were lifting the boat from the water to begin a search for clues.

Mr Saint was described as 5ft 7ins tall, of medium build, with blue eyes and white hair, with a bald patch. He was wearing a grey and white jumper over a blue striped shirt, a blue cravat, a gold neck chain with a seal pendant and brown shoes.