Several possible sightings have been reported of a police officer who has gone missing.

Kent Police have been searching for James Haskell, 48, who lives near Faversham, since he went out on his mountain bike on Tuesday.

On Friday the force said Mr Haskell, known as Jim, had possibly been seen several times in the Hastings area.

Ch Insp Mark Chambers said it was thought Mr Haskell was depressed and concern was growing for his welfare.

He said: "The good news is that there have been several possible sightings of Jim, as he is known by his colleagues, in the Hastings area in the last couple of days.

"We would ask everyone across Kent and beyond to keep an eye out for him and contact us immediately if they think they see him.

"We all want him to return home safely."

Mr Haskell has been an officer for 27 years. He last spoke to his wife on Tuesday evening.

He is described as white, about 6ft 3ins tall, with a stocky build, a grey stubbly beard and short grey hair.

He was last seen wearing a red fleece, black cycling shorts, black shoes and a blue cycling helmet.

A police officer from Kent who went missing from his home on Tuesday night has been found unhurt after he contacted police.

Officers had been searching for James Haskell, 48, who lives near Faversham, since he went out on his mountain bike.

It was thought he was depressed and concern was growing for his welfare.

Mr Haskell contacted police in Tunbridge Wells on Friday evening. "He is safe and well and is receiving appropriate care," a spokesman said.