FOUR DAYS WITHOUT A TRACE: DESPERATE SEARCH FOR MISSING ANTHONY, 69, INTENSIFIES AS POLICE RELEASE IMAGE OF DISTINCTIVE DOG LEAD
A desperate search is continuing for a 69-year-old man who mysteriously disappeared while walking his dog in Greater Manchester, as police release a photograph of a distinctive red-and-white dog lead they hope could provide a vital clue.
Anthony was last seen at approximately 4pm on Sunday, November 1, near the Royal Oak pub on Water Street in Radcliffe, a town in the borough of Bury.
He had been out walking his dog when he vanished.
Several hours later, his dog was discovered alone near the junction of Higher Ainsworth Road and Bury and Bolton Road, approximately a mile from the pub.
But there was no sign of Anthony.
As the search entered its fourth day, concerns for his welfare continued to grow, prompting Greater Manchester Police (GMP) to issue another public appeal and release an image of the lead he is believed to have been carrying.
THE DOG WAS FOUND — BUT ANTHONY WAS NOWHERE TO BE SEEN
The circumstances surrounding Anthony’s disappearance have raised growing concern among investigators.
His dog was found without him several hours after he was last seen. However, the distinctive lead believed to have been used during their walk has not been recovered.
Police are now asking residents, dog walkers and anyone familiar with the area to look carefully for the red-and-white lead.
Even a seemingly small discovery could help investigators establish Anthony’s movements after he was last seen.
Officers have also released a description of what he was wearing when he disappeared: a blue puffer jacket and blue jeans.
UNDERWATER SEARCH TEAMS JOIN THE OPERATION
The search has now expanded, with specialist teams working alongside Greater Manchester Police and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.
An underwater search team has been deployed near Anthony’s last known location.
Detective Inspector Steven Horton said investigators believe Anthony may have walked onto a canal path behind the Royal Oak pub on Sunday.
He urged anyone who knows the surrounding area or regularly uses the route to remain vigilant and come forward with information.
However, police stressed that the possibility Anthony entered the water is only one line of enquiry being explored.
The involvement of underwater search teams should not be taken as confirmation of what happened to him.
POLICE RELEASE PHOTOGRAPH OF THE MISSING DOG LEAD
In their latest appeal, officers shared an image of the red-and-white lead they believe Anthony was using before he disappeared.
Detective Inspector Horton explained that the lead had not yet been found and urged anyone who comes across it, or believes they may have seen it, to contact police.
He said:
“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 the investigation team was particularly keen to hear from people who may have been walking along the canal route or passing through the area on Sunday afternoon.
FAMILY LEFT WAITING FOR ANSWERS
Behind the extensive search operation is a family enduring an agonising wait for news of their loved one.
With every passing day bringing more uncertainty, police say their priority remains finding Anthony and supporting those closest to him.
Detective Inspector Horton said:
“Our priority is bringing Anthony home to his family who we are supporting during this particularly distressing time.”
Investigators are urging the public not to dismiss anything they may have noticed, even if it initially seemed insignificant.
A person who saw an elderly man walking a dog, someone who noticed the distinctive lead, or a local resident who remembers something unusual near the canal could potentially provide information that helps police piece together his final known movements.
HOW TO HELP
Anyone who believes they may have information about Anthony’s whereabouts, or who has seen the red-and-white dog lead, is urged to contact Greater Manchester Police.
- Police contact: 101
- Online: Greater Manchester Police website
- Reference number: 4055 of November 1, 2026
Anthony was last seen wearing a blue puffer jacket and blue jeans near the Royal Oak pub in Radcliffe.
His family is still waiting for answers, and police are appealing to everyone in the surrounding community to help bring him home.
PLEASE SHARE THIS APPEAL. One small detail could make a difference.
