Police have announced they are scaling back their searches for missing man Charles Knight after he disappeared over two weeks ago.

The Basingstoke resident was last seen leaving his parents’ home in Burghclere at 8:30am on Wednesday, February 17 and has not been seen since.

A Detective Inspector from Hampshire Constabulary said that the investigation into the 30-year-old’s disappearance would continue even though the search is being reduced.

Charles was last seen on the morning of February 17, when he left his parents’ home on Harts Lane in Burghclere and subsequently disappeared. At the time, police said they were growing “increasingly concerned” over his welfare.

He is said to have left home on foot without his mobile phone or wallet, and was last seen wearing a green jacket, green cap, black trousers and walking boots.

Charles himself is described as white, approximately 5ft 8ins tall, with tanned skin, a slim build with dark hair and a beard. He also has a number of tattoos on his arms and hands.

Searches took place of Newtown Forest near where Charles disappeared, as well as areas connected to him such as Odiham and the Wellington Estate in Basingstoke. However, none of these searches, conducted by both police and volunteers from Hampshire and Berkshire Search and Rescue, have turned up any clues as to his whereabouts.

Charles’ grandfather, Barry Goldstein, said in an appeal that anyone seeing someone they suspect could be him should call the police.

He said: “Please, the most important thing is if anyone sees him, call the police. It doesn’t matter how distantly, call and we will go and check it out.”

Appealing directly to his grandson, he added: “Please come home and get some help.”

Having continued to find no sign of Charles, Hampshire Constabulary have announced they will now wind down their searches for him.

Detective Inspector Dan Voller said: "It is 18 days since Charles was reported missing, and we continue to be extremely concerned for his welfare.

"We have carried out an extensive search of woodland surrounding his last known location, and have investigated a number of reported sightings.

"Sadly, we have not located Charles.

"I want to reassure everyone that although the searches are being scaled back, our investigation into Charles' disappearance is ongoing and all new lines of enquiry will be thoroughly investigated.

"I know this has been an incredibly difficult time for Charles' family and friends and our thoughts are with them. We will continue to keep his family informed and they are being supported.

"We are asking the community to remain vigilant and report anything that may assist our investigation to locate him.

"If you do have any information on his whereabouts, then please call 101, quoting 44210059947."