MORE than 100 gathered at a Chafford Hundred pub this morning as the hunt for Bradley Arthur entered its fifth day.

Around 300 to 400 members of the community have so far been involved in the search which has used police helicopters and sniffer dogs.

This morning's meeting was called by the police to organise the massive community response to Bradley going missing.

Dad-of-one Bradley, 24, went missing on New Year’s Eve after leaving a small gathering at a friend’s house at around 4.30am.

Police are concerned that members of the public may accidentally hurt themselves by entering dangerous areas in the hunt for Bradley.

Cassie Taiani, 24, of Drake Road, Chafford Hundred, said: “It’s entirely out of character for him to go missing in this way.

"He was the kind of guy that would talk to anyone when he was drunk – very lovable and talkative. We are just desperate for him to come home."

The social media movement to find Bradley has also reached over one million hits to the Facebook page set up by friends called Find Brad Arthur.

Meanwhile, more than 300,000 visitors have also gone to a friend’s twitter page.

Concerned friends and relatives gathered at the police meeting at the Sandmartin pub in Drake Road, as the community movement to find Bradley gathers pace. 

Following massive support from the community, Bradley's parents also thanked the public for their support.

PC Rob Maile, from Essex Police HQ, said: “What we are asking people to do is work in safe areas. We don’t want other people being injured through volunteering in the search. Leave the hazardous parts to the police.”