A search is under way for a man who went missing from a rave in a disused car showroom on February 12.

The family of Andrew Cooke, 29, are becoming increasingly concerned as they face an agonising wait for news of his whereabouts.

He has not been seen since leaving the party in Chingford between 3pm and 4pm and his family have visited the area to try to establish how he left and where he went after.

His uncle, Brian Cooke, 63, said: “We gave out more than 2,000 leaflets and probably spoke to two or three times that number altogether.

“We have three alleged sightings of him during last weekend, all of which are being followed up by police. The pubs are in north London, but not in the immediate Chingford area.

“If we can work out which direction he went in (after leaving the venue), it might help us and therefore help the police.”

Mr Cooke is white, very slim and about 5ft 10in, with strawberry blond hair and hazel eyes.

He was wearing a grey beanie hat, blue jacket and blue checked scarf, and has a pierced left nostril.

Police began their search on Thursday, February 16. They have now searched the building three times and were sure he was not there. They also have his phone, which was handed into Chingford police station.

Mr Cooke’s parents Graham and Pat are from Thames Ditton.

Andrew, known as Cookie to his friends, went to Brooklands College in Weybridge, and his friends set up Facebook page Missing Friend - Andrew Cooke, within days of his disappearance.

Some have suggested he may have taken methoxetamine, which affects the memory. Graham Cooke said: “It’s really hard to sit here and wait for news. This is the worst time because you dwell and think and come up with odd conclusions about what may have happened.

“We’re a close family and this is very tough. The concern is people that attended the party could be worried about getting in touch with the police but there is nothing to fear: they are only interested in finding Andy.”

He has urged people to contact police if they have any information. Anyone with information should call police on 020 7232 6246 or 101.