Police search teams are scouring a reservoir and surrounding woodland in a concerted effort to find a missing dad who “simply vanished” from his home nearly two weeks ago.

West Yorkshire Police’s underwater search unit, the force helicopter and the operations support unit all descended on Ogden Water yesterday and were due to return today in a bid to find 48-year-old David Rowling.

Detectives have revealed that a newspaper appeal for information, complete with a photograph of Mr Rowling, led to a member of the public coming forward to say they had seen him near Ogden Water only hours after he left his home in Alma Street, Queensbury.

Detective Inspector Ian Bryar, speaking from Ogden Water, said: “We have had one unconfirmed sighting of David, potentially around about 11.30am on February 27 walking around the reservoir.

“At that time, it was cold, there was snow on the ground, it was frosty and there were lots of walkers here. I would appeal to anybody who may have been here to come forward.

“We have had no contact from David since February 27 and we are now very concerned about his whereabouts and his welfare.

“David was an outdoors person. He liked Ogden Water and we know he used to come running and walking around here. This seems a natural point for us to do a search to see if we can find anyone who may have seen David since the 27th or to see if there’s any sign David might be here.”

Police started searching the water yesterday using a boat equipped to show underwater images. Meanwhile, officers used poles to search the undergrowth in nearby woodland.

Mr Rowling works as an IT consultant at Bradford Council and lives with his wife, Stephanie, and two-year-old son Samuel.

Det Insp Bryar, of Bradford South CID, said police had contacted Mr Rowling’s colleagues, who said he was “proficient and organised”.

Mr Rowling’s family, who issued an emotional appeal for information last week, are said to be increasingly concerned and upset.

Det Insp Bryar said: “We know David may have been a little bit depressed, however we don’t know his full circumstances.

“If anybody does know anything about David – any friends or colleagues that we haven’t spoken to – please come forward and speak to us to give us a little more insight.”

Detectives said Mr Rowling left his home with no money, credit cards or passport, wearing clothing that was not suitable for a long period outdoors. Anyone with information should call Bradford South CID on 0845 6060606.