Potential sightings of Marcus Rigby 28 years after disappearance

Marcus Rigby, from Grange, was 27 in 1995 when he decided to suddenly move away.

He told his mother he would call home in a week - but his family never heard from him again.

His last known location was Weymouth in Dorset.

Now, his family says there have been recent sightings of him following appeals for information and remain determined to find him.

Marcus's sister Sam Heke said people had come forward and Cumbria Police were following up on leads.

She also said people had contacted her on social media, with some approaches giving her more hope than others.

"It's great when people are helpful," she said.

The family's search is also being aided by Locate International, which has used artificial intelligence to help in their search for information.

Technology has been used to produced an aged-up photo of what he may look like today.

The charity's QUEST service, developed by Nottingham company Altia, is being used to analyse data to spot links and patterns.

Mrs Heke said she was encouraged by the help the family was receiving and are still hopeful they will find him.

"It's great there are people who are willing to invest their time and energy, it's really kind and people are enthusiastic and really want to help, that's really great, without them we probably wouldn't be able to move anything forward," she said.

"From things like Locate have said, there's no reason to think he's not out and about.

"We plough on."

An aged progessed image of Marcus Rigby (Image: Locate International)

A Locate International spokesman said: "By engaging with families on a personal level and leveraging Locate International's extensive network and experience, Quest aims to provide a beacon of support in the challenging journey that families of missing persons often face. Locate are now reviewing the circumstances surrounding Marc’s disappearance and we are exploring additional avenues.

"Collaborating closely with Marcus's family, they are determined to uncover the truth."

Marcus is described as being in his early 50s, 5ft 11ins with hazel eyes.

Cumbria Police have confirmed officers had received recent contact from members of the public and are continuing to ask that anyone with information to report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit or by phoning 101.

Charity Missing People UK can be contacted on 116000.