Missing ex-Uefa boss 'left cards asking for help'

Bernard Ross travelled to the south of France after leaving Oxford on 18 October

A former Uefa executive who has been missing for nearly eight weeks has been seen delivering Christmas cards begging for help, his wife said.

Bernard Ross, 51, was spotted on CCTV at the organisation's headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, on Friday, according to his wife Jacinta Evans.

She was told he asked to leave cards addressed to Uefa directors that said "help me" in French.

He has been missing since 18 October and has bipolar disorder.

His family said he was spotted late on Friday, where he spoke briefly to security guards and asked to leave five envelopes that featured a handwritten note which said "Aidez moi, please".

'Cry for help'

Mrs Evans said her husband spent six months in hospital after he lost his job with Uefa last year and it is believed he does not have access to the medication he needs.

He worked at European football's governing body for nearly 11 years, where he was director of TV production and digital services, and had been responsible for the Champions League and Euro 2016.

Mrs Evans, 51, said: "While I am greatly relieved to hear that he is still alive after so many weeks of not knowing, I am also deeply worried. This is a clear cry for help."

She said psychiatrists thought the anniversary of his last day at work may be the reason he vanished.

Mr Ross was seen in Grasse, France, on 31 October and in Nyon, Switzerland, on 18 October

Police said he was thought to have been seen in the town near Geneva between 21:40 and 21.50 and was travelling on foot. He is believed to have been wearing a flat cap.

Ch Supt Christian Bunt said police had "increasing concerns" for the welfare of Mr Ross, who is about 5ft 7in (1.70m) tall, of medium build, and a fluent French speaker.

He travelled to the south of France after leaving his home in Oxford and is thought to have been using a fold-up bicycle to travel around.