POLICE have confirmed a sighting of missing man Richard Cole in the Thorbeckeplein area of Amsterdam in the early hours of Monday morning.

Richard did not return to his accommodation and officers have said there have been no transactions on his debit cards since the sighting on CCTV.

Richard's brother Lee Thornhill is currently in Amsterdam helping police with the search.

A member of staff at Coco's Outback Pub in the city recognised Richard as having visited prior to his disappearance accompanied by a man with a "strong" accent - thought to be either Scottish or Irish.

Staff at Stroud Auctions have spoken of their anxiety for colleague and friend Richard.

The last contact he had was with his girlfriend Alicia Marie at around 2am UK time on the Monday.

He had been in some of the bars in the Thorbeckeplein and his girlfriend Alicia Marie was the last person that spoke with him.

Speaking on Victoria Derbyshire's BBC TV programme, she said: "He had been out with some people he had just met, which is common for Richard as he is very friendly.

"I didn't know exactly who he was or wasn't with and I know that if he was with these people they were mere acquaintances they were not friends necessarily who cared if he got home safe or cared about anything that he was doing.

"I just said to be careful, please go home, get a cab.

"We got off the phone and I texted him a picture of his address to show his cab but it never went through.

"When I got home from work it had been eight or nine hours and I knew something was wrong.

"He wouldn't go that long - even if he was sleeping - without getting in touch with someone."

Lyn Bowkett, from Stroud Auctions where Richard has worked as a specialist valuer in Asian art for six years, said: "He is exceptionally good in his specialist area of valuing and we are very lucky to have him work here.

"He is a great friend as well as a colleague. He is always good fun to be around.

"This is completely out of character for Richard. He is always online or in touch on the phone.

"He has been constantly on our minds since we heard he had been missing on Wednesday.

"We just hope he is found safe and well."

His mum Debbie Thornhill wrote on Facebook: "Thank you everyone for the support we have been given so far, but there has still been no news of Richards.

"Please keep sharing in hope that someone in amsterdam has seen him or knows where he may be.

"Richard is a very special person not only to his family but to all his friends life would just not be the same without him.

"Please help us to keep searching for him. Thank you x."

Richard is described as white, around 1m 83cm tall and of slim build.

He has short, dark-brown hair and could be wearing a shirt, jeans and a black Armani or Superdry jacket.

Richard is an experienced traveller and his family are concerned for his welfare.

Richard was wearing light blue jeans and a grey Spencer.

He has a leather bracelet with a metal piece with coordinates engraved.

Anyone who may have information on Richard’s whereabouts is asked to contact Gloucestershire Police on 01452 726920 or e-mail 101@gloucestershire.police.uk.