The partner of a man missing since Sunday has appealed for him to return to his “loving and caring” home.

David Robertson, 48, was last seen at home in Greenways, Thorpe Bay, at 1am.

Police are growing increasingly concerned for his welfare and believe he may have harmed himself, after he left a note behind.

Eight marine police officers waded through a pond in Southchurch Park East yesterday and will carry on searching for Mr Robertson today.

His partner, Simon Green, 46, is urging people to come forward with any information that could lead to him being found.

He said: “He is such a happygo- lucky guy. We haven’t had any idea there was anything troubling him.

“He is a really loving, caring person.

“We talk every day so this is very out of character.

“All we want is for him to come home safe and sound. We want him to know he has got a very loving and caring home that he needs to come back to.

“All his friends are missing him and we just want him to come back whatever the circumstances.

I am beside myself.”

Mr Green added Mr Robertson, who people also knew as Tim, had tried to harm himself a week before he disappeared.

He is believed to be wearing a leather-style jacket, which is missing from his home.

Mr Green, who has been with Mr Robertson for four years, said: “Obviously he is very vulnerable and we just want him to get better.

“I would urge anyone with any information, not just about him now in his distressed state, but about his background to get in touch. Anything could help.”

Chief Insp Simon Anslow, district commander for Southend, said: “This is now the fourth day since he has been seen and I remain deeply concerned about the welfare of David.

“We are pulling out all the stops in the investigation and have invested into a search with trained officers, following up all the inquiries we can.

“Unfortunately, at the moment, none of them are bearing any fruit.

“Further searches of that nature will continue.”