Police say their concern is growing for the safety of two pensioners missing from Bradford residential homes for nearly two days.

A police helicopter, dog handlers, and more than 30 officers have been involved in a search after the men disappeared at the same time on Saturday .

Officers have also linked up with 18 volunteers from the Calder Valley Search and Rescue Team in a bid to find the pair, whose disappearances are not being linked.

But despite the massive manhunt there has been no sightings of John Rowlands, 68, or Bill Critchley, 72.

Inspector Trevor Gasson, of Toller Lane Police, said neither man's relatives had heard from them and an exhaustive search of the areas where they disappeared had produced no clues about where they might be.

He said: "Both men have been missing before although not for this length of time.

"There is a possibility that they may be housed somewhere or getting shelter and have managed to keep warm and we can't dismiss that possibility. But as time goes on the concerns grows for their safety."

Mr Rowlands is described 5ft 10in, of slim build and with short, greying hair. He was last seen at 4pm at the Spring Mount Nursing Home in Parsons Road, Heaton, Bradford and was wearing a blue shirt, brown trousers and black shoes. Mr Rowlands suffers from Alzheimer's disease and is also a diabetic

Mr Critchley is described as 5ft 10in to 6ft, of heavy build and with unkempt grey hair. He was wearing a blue/grey jacket, brown sweater, cream tracksuit bottoms and black shoes. He was last seen in the Carlisle Road area of Manningham, Bradford, after walking out of the Queens Road Residential Home in Queens Road.

Insp Casson said when the men had gone missing before they had always returned with the onset of bad weather.

He added: "William Critchley takes medication which makes him vulnerable to the cold. When has gone missing in the past he often follows a route to Westwood Hospital.

"This goes along Carlisle Road, Ingleby Road, then right on to Great Horton Road and then up to Cooper Lane.

"John Rowlands has turned up at churches and schools in the Little Horton area before. With his state of mind he sometimes approaches people and tells them they're beautiful.

Anyone with information about either men should contact Toller Lane Police on (01274) 376259.

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