David Garwood, 58, from Swansea, who changed his surname by deed poll to Stewart, told his son Gareth, 28, he was having trouble sleeping and went to the shops – which was the last time he was seen

The family of a man who disappeared nine days ago after nipping out to the shops say he’s gone “without a trace.”

David Garwood, 58, who changed his surname by deed poll to Stewart, was last seen by his son on April 1.

He told his boy Gareth, 28, he was struggling to sleep and was planning to go to the local shop for hot chocolate and biscuits, Wales Online reports.

David’s civil servant neece Carla Saunders, 44, from Newport in Wales, said his disappearance is completely out of character.

She said: “David was living with his son and he saw him last at 5.30pm on April 1. He left and went to his girlfriend’s for the night.

“[David] later said he was having difficulty trying to sleep and his son suggested he should have hot chocolates and biscuits.

“David wouldn’t say if he was definitely going to the shop. He rang him back and he couldn’t get hold of him.”

She added: “Gareth and his girlfriend went back home and he was nowhere to be seen. His phone was still there but his jacket, keys were with him.

“The dog was loose in the house and it was unusual. They rang the police as David suffers with mental health problems and has done since he was a teenager.

“The police broke into his car and searched the vehicle and checked he was not in the boot.

“They did a 300 meter search of alleyways and sheds and helicopters went out and the coastguards went out.

“Every day the police have been doing their searches and bringing in sniffer dogs. There’s been no trace of him.

“It just beggars belief that someone can disappear and there is no single CCTV footage. It’s really not like him.

“There is no way he would go far. We are worried someone has done something to him.”

Carla said as David is diabetic he is prone to low blood sugar and could lead to him ending up in a coma.

She said there was no indication that he would disappear.

“David had been out to price up a carpet for the living room and had set up his medication for the morning,” she added.

David’s step-son Craig, 37, has also been involved in the search.

A statement from South Wales Police says: “David was reported missing from his home in West Cross and was last seen on April 1.

“He is described as 5ft 11″, a slim build, white, short thin hair, stubble, and freckles. He wears glasses and is possibly wearing a blue coat with red lining on the zip.”

Have you seen Mr Stewart? Anyone who may have any information to help police in their search is asked to contact the force quoting 2200107766.

People can email [email protected] or call 101.