A fresh search for library campaigner Robert Gibson, who went missing seven months ago, is underway.

Police from Hampshire Constabulary are searching a coastal path that the father-of-one had used on previous trips to Shanklin on the Isle of Wight.

Mr Gibson disappeared from his Gipsy Hill home after telling family he was going for a walk at 3pm on June 13 last year.

Later that day he was spotted on CCTV in the Co-operative store in Central Hill, Gipsy Hill.

RELATED: Family appeal to get missing Upper Norwood library campaigner Robbie Gibson home for Christmas

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Hampshire Constabulary are re-appealing for anyone who has any information regarding Mr Gibson's whereabouts to get in touch

His brother last month made a compassionate appeal for his return for Christmas, posting on social media that it would be “the best present in the world” for his family.

Police received a confirmed sighting of Robert at 6.45pm that day catching the catamaran from Portsmouth to Ryde, Isle of Wight.

He is then believed to have boarded a train at Ryde Pier Head towards Lake and Shanklin.

Hampshire Constabulary officers, with the assistance of the dog unit, began searching the area between 9am and 4pm yesterday, January 16.

They will continue their search between 9am and 12pm today and tomorrow.

A Newport detective has explained the coastal path could not be search until now as the area was previously too overgrown.

Detective Sergeant John Stirling, from Newport CID, said: “Robert has been missing for a number of months now, and we are still keen to trace his steps.

“He was last seen in Co-op in Shanklin, and is known to enjoy coastal walks.

“We know that the coastal path near Luccombe Road is a particular route Robert has walked in the past during trips to the Isle of Wight.

“Officers have chosen to search the area now as it was too overgrown during the summer months when Robert was reported missing.

“We hope this search will provide us with additional evidence which may help us trace Robert.”

Mr Gibson is described as white, 6ft tall, of slim build with grey/silver hair. He wears black rimmed Prada glasses.

He was last seen wearing a blue/grey T-shirt with green/brown khaki trousers.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Det Sgt John Stirling on 101, quoting 44160231297, or contact the charity Missing People on 116000.