Essex lake drained as police issue CCTV in desperate search for Jack Morrad who has not been seen in 10 days

Olivia Tobin1 January 2019

Officers are planning to drain a lake in a desperate search for a man who has not been seen in 10 days.

Jack Morrad went missing on December 23 and was last seen at about 2.30 am in Broadhurst Place, Basildon, Essex Police said.

The decision to drain a lake in Gloucester Park is one that “has not been taking lightly” and comes after days of searching for the missing man, Detective Chief Inspector Alan Pitcher said.

Officers believe the 28-year-old was heading towards the park when trying to piece together his last moments.

Police issued CCTV in their search for missing Jack Morrad

DCI Pitcher said: “After prolonged investigations over the past nine days, one of our main lines of enquiry remains that Jack’s movements led him to Gloucester Park.

“Officers from across the county, volunteers from Essex Search and Rescue, and specialist teams, have worked over Christmas and New Year to try and piece together what we believe are Jack’s last known movements.

Missing: Jack Morrad
Essex police

“We will continue our search for Jack by draining the fishing lake. Night fisherman have stated they heard a man in the area of the lake at around 2am and, to further our enquiries, we need to do a thorough examination of the fishing lake.

“The draining will be led by the Environmental Agency, who will ensure that minimum disruption is caused to the nature in the lake and its surroundings.

“This is not a decision we have taken lightly and I cannot imagine the pain Jack’s family are feeling today. Their bravery and determination throughout this search has been commendable, and I hope that our ongoing enquiries will give them the answers they need.

CCTV footage of Mr Morrad has been released by the force in an appeal to try and find out where he might have gone on the morning he went missing.

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