FEARS about a Burnley man missing from home for four days are mounting as his family still have not heard from him.

Derek Horne, 54, was due to visit his doctor yesterday, but failed to show for the appointment.

His family and detectives from Burnley CID are concerned about Derek's safety.

He has been suffering from depression and out of work for a number of weeks. He also left the house with a number of anti-depression and paracetamol tablets.

Derek disappeared from his home in Irene Street on Friday morning. It is thought that he left the house sometime between 7am and 9.30am.

His wife Eileen and daughter Michelle are waiting anxiously at their home for any news about Derek.

Eileen said: "I thought that he might have gone to the doctors yesterday. He had an appointment but never showed for it. There have been no sightings of Derek and no news."

Eileen said that the longer Derek is missing, her fears for his safety grow stronger. "I am quite worried now. It is just so out of his character", she added.

Derek, who used to work for Burnley engineering firm TRW, is white, medium build, 5ft 7ins with a tattoo of the word 'Derek' on his right forearm.

It is thought Derek was wearing blue jeans, a black and grey quilted coat and black shoes and a signet ring on his left hand.

Derek was last seen on the evening of Thursday October 18 at his home in Irene Street. Police believe Derek stayed the night at his home and then left the following morning. He has not been seen since.

Detectives want to hear from anyone who knows Derek, or anyone who has any ideas about some aspect of his life that his family may not be aware of.

A spokesman for them said this morning that no new information had come to light and they were still urging anyone who knows Derek or may have any ideas about his whereabouts to contact them on: 01282 472431 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.