The search for an elderly man reported missing from Epsom continues nearly four weeks after he disappeared.

James Middleton – known as Jim – was last seen at midday on Sunday, July 2, when he left the Wells Estate on his mobility scooter heading towards Stew Ponds and the Christ Church Road area.

But the 70-year-old has not yet returned home or been found, despite police helicopters, drones, Surrey and Sussex Search and Rescue, trail bikes, boats and search dogs being scrambled and hundreds of volunteers searching for him.

Volunteers of the Sussex Community Search Team today (Thursday, July 27) scoured land adjacent to the A243 Kingston Road in Leatherhead and Ashtead.

From July 3: Helicopters scrambled in police search for missing elderly man James Middleton last seen heading out to Stew Ponds in Epsom

From July 5: Epsom residents join police officers and firefighters in search for missing elderly man Jim Middleton

A Facebook group, Find James Middleton, was set up after his disappearance, and has helped mobilise the Epsom community, with residents searching nearby roads and fields, and handing out thousands of ‘missing person’ flyers.

CCTV footage and possible sightings from the public have been followed up, Surrey Police stated, but to no avail.

From July 10: Brother of missing Epsom man Jim Middleton launches heartfelt appeal for help

From July 18: More than 1,600 concerned residents join Facebook group to help find missing Epsom man James (Jim) Middleton

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Preston, who is leading the investigation, said: “As we approach the four-week anniversary of Mr Middleton’s disappearance, we’d like to extend our thanks to the volunteers who have given so much of their time to the numerous searches of the Ashtead Common area.

“The searches of Ashtead Common and Epsom Common have now been completed and we are now concentrating our search elsewhere.

“We urge anyone who may have seen Jim on July 2, or in the days and weeks since, to come forward with any information.”

Jim is described as white, five feet six inches tall, of large build, and with brown greying hair. He was last seen wearing a body warmer, dark grey shorts, blue trainers, and white socks.

He was wearing his four-wheeled, light blue mobility scooter – a Breeze model TGA scooter, with the serial number of 1042039.

Sergeant Eddie Alderley of the Epsom and Ewell Neighbourhood Team had previously given the following advice: “Look a bit further afield from where you’re walking. Look into the trees. Look into the bushes.

James could’ve fallen. He could be lying there needing our help.

“Look out for James and look out for his scooter.

“If you see a scooter that is unattended and you think it may connect, then call us.”

To offer information, call police on 101 – or 999 in an emergency – and quote the reference number P17165048.