Renewed appeal in 40-year search for missing man

Michael Bell vanished after a camping trip in 1983

Police have launched a fresh appeal for information in one of the West Midlands' longest-running missing person cases.

Michael Bell, from Sheldon, Birmingham, disappeared more than 40 years ago during a camping holiday on the Isle of Skye.

Police said that Mr Bell, who was 28 at the time, was "miserable" on the trip and fell out with his friend over when to return home.

Mr Bell decided to leave the island on 14 May 1983 while his friend stayed behind, and he was last seen on the Scottish mainland.

Detectives said the factory worker contacted his family from Dalwhinnie and Tyndrum in the Highlands, telling them he was heading for the English border. He was not heard from again.

PC Shaun Reeve said: "A police officer reported him appearing confused and being put on a bus to Glasgow but what happened to him after he arrived back on the mainland is still a mystery."

His father, a lifelong Birmingham City fan like his son, continued attending matches for two decades afterwards, hoping Mr Bell would one day return.

Anyone with information on Mr Bell or his disappearance is urged to contact West Midlands Police.