THE parents of a depressed man who has been missing for five weeks fear he could have committed suicide following a sinister telephone message.

John Michael Fewery, aged 49, was in a very depressed state when he wandered off from his Holme Slack home in Preston on June 11.

In a poignant phone call to his parents. John said he loved them both very much, but he was going to Barton 'to lie down in a field and die'. Since then, John has not been seen or heard of despite searches by Lancashire Police, the police helicopter, dogs and the Bowland Pennine Rescue Team.

Dad John Fewery said: "We are worried sick. We have no idea where our only son is and we desperately hope he is found soon.

John junior suffered a nervous breakdown some years ago and was treated at Royal Preston Hospital's Avondale unit.

Brother-in-law Kevin Knight said John has tried to commit suicide in the past. Kevin said: "He has really let himself go. His appearance has deteriorated and he has lost lots of weight."

John's favourite places are Beacon Fell, the Trough of Bowland, Garstang, Grizedale and Fairhaven.

He is 5ft 9ins tall, slim to medium build, has short dark brown, greying hair which is curly and untidy. When John went missing he was clean shaven, but his beard could have grown back. If you have any information contact Preston police on 01772 203203.

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