Fears for missing pensioner, 87, last seen in tracksuit as temperatures plummet
A search has been launched after a pensioner wearing only a tracksuit went missing as the mercury plunged below freezing tonight.
William Bradley, 87, was last seen just after teatime in the town of Maghera in Co Derry, Northern Ireland. Temperatures in the area were tonight dipping towards freezing with -1C predicted in the small hours of Monday. Fears continue to grow for the 87-year-old who was wearing just a body warmer and tracksuit bottoms when last seen, reports Belfast Live.
A statement for the PSNI said: "Police are becoming increasingly concerned for the welfare of 87-year-old missing person William Bradley. William was last seen in the Main Street area of Maghera at around 7pm this evening, Sunday January 7th. He is described as being approximately 6ft in height, of slim build, with short grey hair, and was wearing a green body warmer and tracksuit bottoms. Anyone who may have any information as to his whereabouts is asked to contact police on 101, and quote reference number 1345 of 07/01/24."
One local company asked their followers to check their property in case the elderly man had sought shelter while outside in the harsh wintry conditions.
It comes as an amber cold health alert was issued for parts of the UK this coming week due to the plunging temperatures, with experts warning of the serious risk the cold poses to elderly Brits.
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The amber cold health alert (CHA) for the North West of England, West Midlands, East Midlands and South West of England, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office, runs until 12pm on Friday January 12.
An amber alert means "cold weather impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service for an extended period of time". There is also a yellow cold health alert in place for the North East of England, Yorkshire and The Humber, East of England, South East of England and London.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: "With the Met Office forecasting drops in temperature across the United Kingdom into next week, it is important to check in on the wellbeing of those most vulnerable to the cold."
The cold weather can increase the risks of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections and can have a serious health impact for older people and those with pre-existing health conditions.
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