Fears are growing for a firefighter who went missing during a Christmas pub crawl on Friday.

Father-of-four Anthony Knott, from Lincoln Green, Orpington, was last seen at The Lamb pub in Lewes, East Sussex at about 7.30pm during a night out with 11 of his London Fire Brigade (LFB) colleagues.

The 33-year-old's disappearance is "very out of character", according to friends and family.

Image: Anthony Knott was last seen at The Lamb in Lewes at 7.30pm on Friday. Pic: Google Streetview

His fiancee, Lucy Otto, said there has been no activity on his phone since 7.20pm on Friday and it has been off since 1am on Saturday.

She said his bank card has also not been used.


Appealing for help on Facebook, she wrote: "There has been no sightings or contact from him since 7.30pm.

"He is now a high risk and there will be search and rescue teams in the Lewes, Sussex area looking for him.

"This is very unusual behaviour and he would not stay away intentionally."

A large search and rescue operation has been launched, with police, volunteers, LFB colleagues and a drone all looking for him.

Sussex Police said it is "increasingly concerned" for the former professional footballer's welfare.

He is described as a white male, 5ft 8ins tall of a medium build with short brown gelled hair.

Mr Knott, who plays for Orpington Athletic FC, was wearing a black long sleeve top, dark denim coat, dark denim jeans and smart black shoes.

Anyone who may have seen Mr Knott or knows of his whereabouts should contact Sussex Police on 101, quoting 727 of 21/12.

If he is ill, injured or thought to be in danger, dial 999 immediately.