Police yesterday appealed for help from the public in their search for a father-of-three who has been missing for nearly eight years.

Allen Napier, 40, was last seen on June 27, 2000, in the Shotts area of Lanarkshire. His last contact with his family was around a month earlier. However, Mr Napier, who is often known by the nickname "Nape", was not reported missing until August the following year, as he had previously disappeared for long periods of time.

It was only when Mr Napier - described as a "doting" father - missed his children's birthdays, that his mother contacted the police.

Chief Inspector Stewart Livingston, from Wishaw Police, said: "We have explored all avenues over the years and, while he was a keen traveller and frequently disappeared', we cannot rule out that he has come to some harm." Mr Napier is described as white, 5ft 8in tall, slim build, and with brown greying shoulder-length hair worn in a pony tail.

Meanwhile, a mother-of-two, who had been missing from her home for nearly a week has been found.

Fiona Irving, 39, of Troon in Ayrshire, had been missing since May 8.