Concerned neighbours are praying for the safety for an elderly man who has been missing for 11 days.

But Police reported that Walter Smith, 72, was seen in Warwick recently by a member of the public and added that, at the time, he appeared to be "alive and well".

When he was seen, he was wearing black pants, a light blue shirt, a blue Bermuda windbreaker and blue track shoes.

Meanwhile, Mr. Smith, who resides at a Purvis Park, the Government housing scheme for seniors on Middle Road, Devonshire, was described by neighbours this week as a quiet, polite person who "keeps to himself".

"I'm very concerned about him and he is in my prayers," said Joycelyn Lambe. "It's just been too long for someone to be missing."

Mrs. Lambe described Mr. Smith as a "quiet type fellow" who owned a pedal cycle and was visited by relatives often.

"I can't imagine what might have happened to him. I only hope that he's all right and that he's staying at a friend's house or something."

Another lady, who asked not to be named, said she had heard Mr. Smith had been living on the streets before moving to Purvis Park and suggested that he had gone back there.

"I imagine that he would know how to survive a long time on the streets. It's my guess that he's there and I certainly hope that nothing has happened to him."

She added that she heard there had been a sighting of Mr. Smith last weekend and pointed to this as something that gave her optimism.

Gloria White said: "If I saw that man I think I'd go straight up to him and give him a hug. Then I'd tell him off for disappearing like that."

She added: "I hope the Police are doing everything they can to find him. After such a long time, my stomach's going a little funny and I'm getting worried."

Mrs. White said she knew the relatives of Mr. Smith to be extremely worried about his whereabouts.

Mr. Smith is described as having short hair, brown skin and stocky build. He is five feet, four inches and was last seen carrying a black knapsack.

Anyone with information is asked to call P.c. Barry Richards on 295-0011.