A MAN missing from his Linford home for almost six days has been found safe and well.

David Burgess, 53, had not been seen since going out for a walk on Saturday, August 16.

He was found this evening [Thursday] in the Brentwood area.

Police had been scouring a large area of fields and woods in a relatively large and remote part of Thurrock, near East Tilbury, Linford and West Tilbury.

It was reported to police that he was missing after he failed to return home for work on Monday. Officers feared he might have fallen ill while out walking alone and launced a frantic search, with numerous units, police dogs and the police helicopter.

On Thursday evening, police and Mr Burgess' nieces used social media to thank the public for their help in locating the man.

Rob Lay, an East Tilbury resident, who had helped search on Wednesday and Thursday said on Twitter: "Great news, East Tilbury missing man David Burgess found safe and well."