POLICE have released CCTV of a man who has been missing since New Year's Day.

The search for Stephen Dyson, aged 22, continued today and there was a large police presence in Whittingham Drive and Nuttall Lane, Ramsbottom, near to St Andrew’s Close where he was last seen.

Officers have released CCTV of Mr Dyson at Longsight service station, Ramsbottom at around 4am on New Year's Day and using a cash machine in Bridge Street at around 6am.

Crime Scene Investigators were seen at St Andrew’s Close, as police continue to try and establish what happened to Mr Dyson.

Tactical aid units — used in search operations, were also in the area.

Police believe Mr Dyson was assaulted before his disappearance at around 9am on New Year’s Day and that he could have been seriously injured.

A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault on Tuesday and was later released under investigation.

It is believed Mr Dyson was heading to his home in Beechwood Avenue.

Officers have been going door-to-door in the area and asking people to search any sheds and outbuildings.

Detective Inspector Vicky Shaw of GMP's Bury Borough, said: "It's been five days since Steven was last seen and his family and friends are worried sick. 

"Searches will continue around the Nuttall Lane area, with officers being supported by the underwater search unit, NPAS and the dog unit to find Steven.

"We've had lots of help from people in searching for Steven so far and we'd ask for people in the area to please check your sheds and garages in case he's seeking shelter.

"It is likely he is still in need of medical attention, which is why it is so important we find Steven as soon as we can."

Alongside the large police operation to try to find Mr Dyson, the Ramsbottom community has rallied round to help.

A number of searches have been carried out to try to find him and volunteers have also put up a number of missing posters in business windows and on lampposts.

On Thursday night, Bury North MP James Frith joined 200 members of the public on the search.

He said: “The turnout has been unbelievable. You’ve just got to pull together at this time. It’s good to see a community come out in such strength and numbers, and not just consign themselves to social media, but actually get out and look for the lad.

“Everyone on the doorstep has said they will check their back gardens.

“The police have been absolutely extraordinary, too. It’s a monumental effort.

“What we’ve been asked to say is that if they’ve got tarpaulin, a bin, skip, shed, hedgerow, that they check their CCTV, between 8 and 10am on New Year’s Day.”

The searches have been organised through the ‘FIND Steven Dyson’ Facebook group, which was set up on Wednesday and more searches are expected to be carried out this weekend.

It is believed he was wearing a leather jacket with a grey top, black skinny jeans and grey boots.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 8157 or 101, quoting reference MP/18/0112464.

Reports can also be made anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.