Hundreds of residents have come together to help police and firefighters search for an elderly man reported missing from Epsom.

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

But the 70-year-old has not yet returned home or been found, despite police helicopters being scrambled and officers scouring the area.

Debbie Middleton set up a Facebook page, Find James Middleton, which now has more than 1,000 members.

She wrote: “He went out on his blue mobility scooter on to Epsom Common and may have been headed towards Ashtead.

“He is known to enjoy rides towards Ashtead station, the Stew Ponds and Christ Church.

“Please post any updates here that may be useful to people out searching.”

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

Since the group was created, dozens of Epsom residents have pledged support – offering to look for Jim, pin up flyers around the borough, and sharing messages of support – while others have reported possible sightings

Beth Gretton-Barlow wrote: “I’ve printed out a few posters this morning and they are now up in Ashtead. Hope he’s found soon!”

Lisa Jessett McCool, who changed her Facebook profile photo to a picture of Jim’s face, wrote: “Tonight, three of us covered an area of the common over by the Star. Leaflets left at the Star/BP/Shy Horse.

“Spoke to a few people who hadn’t heard about it, but sadly to no avail.”

Matthew David Pattinson also offered to help: “Where have people not searched? I’m going out on a bike in a min.”

Andy Cox wrote: “Great effort by everyone. What a community we have here.

“He will be found.”

Firefighters from Banstead and Epsom fire stations joined the search on Tuesday night, using thermal imaging lights from off-road vehicles to look for him in the dark.

A helicopter crew from the National Police Air Service (NPAS) and a unit from Surrey Search and Rescue had also scrambled at the weekend.

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, white socks and was riding his four-wheeled, light blue mobility scooter.

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

A mass search has been organised for tonight (Wednesday, July 5). Volunteers are meeting in the Wells Centre car park at 7pm. #letsfindjim