Police search for autistic British man missing in Australia

The parents of a British man with autism missing in Australia have made an emotional appeal for help tracking him down.

Benjamin Wyatt, 34, from Bath, vanished after visiting a beach in the Melbourne area with his family on Tuesday.

Police carried out an "extensive" search of the area by air, land and sea, although no trace of Mr Wyatt was found.

On Wednesday his mother, Diana Wyatt, was visibly distraught at a press conference as she urged her son to return, saying her life was "empty" without him.

She told reporters: "Ben has never had a night out on his own before.

"He knows I worry like anything. I'm the world's worst worrier and Ben if you're listening, if you're watching come back.

"He's just a really nice guy to have around and I miss him. My life is empty."

His father, Phil Wyatt, fought back tears as he said: "Keep an eye out for him please, just let the police know if you find him, thank you."

The family had recently arrived in Melbourne, their last stop as they travelled around Australia, and had been due to leave the country on Thursday, according to reports.

Victoria Police released an image of Mr Wyatt and appealed for the public's help finding him.

The force said in a statement: "Benjamin, who has autism, was visiting the beach with his family at Half Moon Bay, Black Rock about 2.15pm (Tuesday).

"His family left him in the car park for a short time while they went to collect their car but when they turned to pick him up he had disappeared.

"Benjamin is visiting Australia with his family from the United Kingdom and does not know his way around Melbourne.

"The Victoria Police helicopter, water police, local police, state emergency service and lifesavers conducted an extensive search of the area but were unable to locate him."

A UK Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are supporting the family of a British national who was reported missing in Melbourne on July 4. We are in contact with the local authorities."