Twenty-two-year-old Tom Billings has not been seen since Nov. 25.
The British tourist was set to return to the U.K. on Dec. 7 but there has been no sign of him. His family is now in Vancouver to help with the search.
Sgt. Randy Fincham with the Vancouver Police says Tom’s story running in the media has led to a number of tips about where the young man may have gone.
Tom’s father, Martin Billings, appealed to the public today for any news of his missing son.
“He’s a young tough guy, about 5’10” tall, used to being on his own,” says Martin.
Tom was last seen in the 1400-block of East Broadway on the morning of Nov. 25. He was known to hike when he travelled, and his family says he is a very experienced hiker. He has hiked all over the world.
Police believe he may have gone to the North Shore for a hike the day he went missing.
Martin says it is believed he arrived in Vancouver on Nov. 23. He left his backpack at the house and Martin says it is clear from this, his son was not intending to stay out for a long time.
“The North Shore Rescue people are prepared to do a search of a wider area with a helicopter,” says Martin, but weather may prevent the helicopter from flying today.
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“We think that Tom could be out there somewhere, hopefully he’s holed up somewhere in a warm place and someone has seen him who can pass some information on,” adds Martin, choking back tears.
“Did you see Tom? If you did see him, please get in touch. We just hope that he can be found somewhere and safe and got back to his normal life. I think that’s all I can say.”
Billings is described as white, 5’10” tall, 160 lbs., with short blonde hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a black jacket and grey military style pants.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Vancouver police at 604-717-3321.
Martin is set to fly home to the U.K. tonight to be with his wife, Tom’s mother, who he says is “beside herself” with worry.
WATCH: U.K. tourist vanishes in Vancouver
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