Cops search for missing Brit diplomat dad-of-three, 52, who vanished during a run near his home five days ago

POLICE have launched a major search for a British diplomat who has been missing from his Surrey home for more than five days.

Richard Morris, 52, who has held many high positions in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, left his Farnham home for a run at about 10.30am last Wednesday.

He was due to take on a new role as the British High Commissioner to the Republic of Fiji in July this year.

The dad-of-three served as the UK Ambassador to Nepal between 2015 and 2019 and has worked in the FCO for almost 30 years.

Mr Morris is described as white, about 6ft tall, with greying hair and a beard, and has a port birth mark on his face, Hampshire Constabulary said.

The dad, who is originally from Worcestershire, was last seen wearing a blue long-sleeved top with a half zip, black shorts and blue trainers.

Mr Morris has been deemed "high risk" because of his Government role, the Haslemere Herald reported.

Police have also reportedly been assisted by Hampshire Search and Rescue, dog search and rescue teams, air support, the UK Missing Persons Unit and other agencies in their search.

A missing person appeal was launched last Thursday.

A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said: We've been making enquiries but are now turning to you for your help.

"His family are understandably concerned for his welfare.

"Richard is described as being white, around 6ft tall, with greying hair and a beard. He is also described as having port birth mark on his face.

"He was last seen wearing a blue long sleeved top with a half zip, black shorts, and blue trainers."

Mr Morris entered the FCO via an open competition in 1990.

In 2016, he was pictured with Prince Harry in Nepal.

He announced on Twitter on November 6, that he'd left his position in Nepal.

In November he tweeted: "My successor will be Nicola Pollitt. I look forward to taking up my next role as British High Commissioner to Fiji and Head of the Pacific Network in July 2020."

Mr Morris had also worked as head of the Pacific department at the FCO, consul general in Sydney as well as director general of trade and investment in Australasia.

The Sun Online has contacted FCO for a comment in regards to Mr Morris' disappearance.

Police are urging anyone who thinks they have seen him since last Wednesday to call 101, quoting reference 627 of today’s date, or 44200160398.

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