Mum leaves care packs around city for missing son

Jasmine Loweand
David McKenna,East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire
News imageHumberside Police CCTV image of Sam. He has short dark hair and is wearing a dark jacket Humberside Police
Sam was last seen on Thursday in the Victoria Dock area of Hull

The mother of a "vulnerable" Hull man who has been missing almost a week is leaving care packages around the city.

Sam, 24, who has autism, was seen at about 11:00 GMT on Thursday in the Holderness Road area, with two further possible sightings the same day.

The packages include food, water and a heartfelt note urging him to ask for help.

Appealing directly to Sam, mum Helen said: "If you can see or hear us in any way, tell somebody who you are, where you are. You are not in any trouble. We just need you home. We love you so, so much."

News imageA parcel. On the front is written: "Sam, please eat and drink. Tell someone where you are. You are not in any trouble. We love and miss you. We just need to keep you safe. Love mum."
Sam's mother has left packages around Hull in the hope he will find it

She described son as a "caring and funny gentle soul".

Helen said she struggled to put into words how she was feeling and appealed for anyone with information, or doorbell footage, to contact police.

"It's pure hell," she said. "Sam is vulnerable."

Sam is described as white and about 5ft 7ins (1.7m) tall. He is thought be wearing brown jogging bottoms, black walking boots and a black jacket with a hood.

Helen said she and friends had been conducting searches around Hull.

More than 30 of the care packages have been left at locations where Sam may have been spotted.

Helen said: "It just makes me feel there is some chance he has some food and water rather than no chance. All he has is the clothes on his back."

News imageHead and shoulders shot of Helen. She is wearing an orange jumper and is looking directly at the camera. She is sitting on a brown-coloured sofa.
Helen has thanked the community for its support

"I feel like there are thousands of people out there on social media who are holding our hands, sending love, and constantly sharing because it's important this is kept fresh," added Helen.

On Monday, Ch Insp Owen Stafford said: "We understand how distressing this is for Sam's family and friends, who we continue to keep updated as the investigation progresses and we do everything we can to try and find him."

Anyone who was in the area of Plimsoll Way and Victoria Dock, between 11:45 and 12:45 GMT on 6 November, who may have seen Sam or captured him on CCTV, is asked to contact Humberside Police.

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