Frantic family in Edinburgh search for missing brother who vanished on birthday

A family from England is desperate to get their brother home after he was reported missing.

Thomas 'Tom' Burgess is missing from Bolton and is believed to be sleeping rough in Edinburgh. With every day that goes by, the family's worry grows.

His sister Emma, 33, was due to see him for his birthday earlier this month but when they arrived at his house, he was gone. She told Edinburgh Live Tom is in a 'vulnerable state' due to his mental health and is desperate for him to come home.

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Emma and her family went to pick Tom up from his accommodation for his 36th birthday on August 7. However, when they arrived, he was nowhere to be seen. With no phone, Tom cannot be contacted.

Emma said: "Tom lives in assisted living and we went to pick him up for his birthday on August 7 but he wasn't there. No one knew where he was. He doesn't have a phone so we can't reach him.

"At first we were told that he was in Glasgow but then we were told that a paramedic had checked on him in Edinburgh.

"He was sleeping on a bench and the paramedics did offer to help him find somewhere, some sanctuary to stay in, but he ran off."

The 33-year-old told how close she and Tom are. She addd: "There's four of us in total, I've got another brother and a younger sister but growing up me and Tom were very close. I was never far behind him! He is a good brother and usually laid back."

After appealing in Facebook groups, an Edinburgh local reached out to Emma to say they may have seen Tom in Edinburgh. Tom's family has contacted Greater Manchester Police and Police Scotland.

She added: "I just want him to come home and know he's safe. It is a huge worry to us. We don't know if he's eating, where he's sleeping, or if he has anywhere to sleep. We as his family are worried and would like to get him home safely.

"He would have longer hair and a beard. If anyone sees him, please get in touch."

If you have any information or sightings, contact katie.williams@reachplc.com