Ex-taxi driver missing after store errand

Nov 19 2008 by Charlie Rowney, Wishaw Press

FEARS are growing for the safety of an Overtown man who went out for the papers at the weekend – and failed to return home.

Gerard Campbell (54), told his partner he was going to the shop in Overtown on Sunday morning.

However, he has not been seen since.

Mr Campbell, of Orchard Street, is well-known in the area as a taxi driver.

He was recently forced to give up his job due to ill health and is said to have been very upset as a result.

He has never gone missing before.

Now his friends and relatives are becoming increasingly worried about his safety.

Mr Campbell had less than £5 when he went out and did not have any bank or credit cards with him.

Around 10am on November 16, he told his partner he was going to the local store in Castlehill Road for rolls and the Sunday papers.

However, he was reported missing when he failed to return home.

Mr Campbell has been described as being 5ft 8ins tall and of medium build with receding grey hair and blue eyes.

He was last seen wearing a grey fleece over a beige jumper and white t-shirt, with navy blue tracksuit bottoms, green trainers and a skip cap.

Chief Inspector Stewart Livingston appealed for Mr Campbell to contact his family or police to let them know he is safe.

He said: “Mr Campbell is well-known in the Wishaw area as a local taxi driver and his family are becoming increasingly concerned about him.

“He has not been seen since Sunday morning.

“I am appealing for anyone who has information about his current whereabouts to come forward and assist with this inquiry.”

Anyone with information regarding Gerard’s whereabouts is asked to contact Wishaw Police on 01698 202 655.

MISSING: friends and relatives are concerned for the safety of Overtown man Gerard Campbell, pictured on the right, who went out for the morning papers on Sunday but failed to return home.