DESPERATE SEARCH FOR MISSING 69-YEAR-OLD DOG WALKER AS UNDERWATER POLICE TEAMS SCOUR CANAL AFTER HIS PET IS FOUND ALONE

RADCLIFFE, GREATER MANCHESTER, ENGLAND — An urgent search is underway for a 69-year-old man who disappeared while walking his dog, after his beloved pet was discovered alone several hours later.

Police have now brought in specialist underwater search teams as concerns continue to grow for the pensioner’s safety.

The missing man, identified only as Anthony, was last seen at approximately 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2026, near the Royal Oak pub in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester.

He had been walking his dog when he disappeared.

Several hours later, his dog was discovered alone near the junction of Higher Ainsworth Road and Bury and Bolton Road. However, there was no sign of Anthony.

The discovery prompted an extensive search involving multiple emergency response teams, with officers working urgently to establish what happened.

POLICE SEARCH CANAL AFTER NEW CLUE EMERGES

Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that specialist units are now involved in the operation, including underwater search teams.

Investigators believe Anthony may have walked onto a canal path behind the Royal Oak pub shortly before he went missing.

Officers are concentrating their efforts on the surrounding canal areas and are appealing to anyone familiar with the location to come forward.

Detectives have also released an image of a distinctive red-and-white dog lead that Anthony is believed to have been carrying when he disappeared.

The lead has not yet been found, and police hope that someone may recognise it or have seen it in the area.

WHAT WAS ANTHONY WEARING WHEN HE DISAPPEARED?

Police have provided a description of Anthony in the hope that members of the public may remember seeing him.

He was last seen wearing:

• A blue padded jacket.
• Blue jeans.

He was reportedly walking his dog near the Royal Oak pub at the time.

Officers are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who visited the area, used the nearby canal paths or travelled along surrounding roads on Sunday afternoon.

POLICE ISSUE EMOTIONAL APPEAL AS CONCERNS GROW

Detective Inspector Steven Horton of Greater Manchester Police said officers were becoming increasingly concerned about Anthony’s welfare.

He confirmed that police were working alongside partner agencies, including Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, to continue the search.

“We are becoming increasingly concerned for Anthony’s welfare and officers are working alongside our partners, including Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, as we continue our search.”

He added that investigators believe Anthony could have walked onto a canal path behind the Royal Oak pub.

The detective urged anyone who regularly uses the route or knows the surrounding area to remain vigilant and share any information that could assist the investigation.

Regarding the missing dog lead, he said police were encouraging anyone who comes across it, or believes they may have seen it, to contact officers.

POLICE STRESS THAT EVERY POSSIBILITY IS BEING INVESTIGATED

Although underwater search teams have been deployed, police have been careful to explain that this does not establish what happened to Anthony.

Detective Inspector Horton stressed that the possibility Anthony may have entered the water is just one line of enquiry being explored.

No conclusion has been reached about the circumstances of his disappearance.

The investigation remains active, with officers continuing to examine possible sightings and information from the public.

The detective said the priority was to bring Anthony home to his family, who are receiving support during what he described as an extremely distressing time.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Greater Manchester Police are urging anyone with information about Anthony’s disappearance to contact them immediately.

In particular, investigators want to hear from anyone who:

• Saw Anthony near the Royal Oak pub on Sunday, November 1.
• Noticed a man wearing a blue padded jacket and blue jeans near the canal.
• Found or spotted a distinctive red-and-white dog lead.
• Has dashcam footage or other information that could help establish his movements.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Greater Manchester Police on 101, or submit information through the force’s official website.

Please quote log number 4055 of November 1, 2026.

As the search continues, Anthony’s family is facing an agonising wait for answers.

For now, police are asking the public to remain alert and share any information that could help bring the 69-year-old home.

Every sighting, no matter how small, could make a difference.