Former Suffolk pub man believed missing

A FORMER Suffolk publican is believed to be missing following the Indian Ocean tsunami The Evening Star can reveal today.

Roger Pryke who is thought to be in his 60s moved to Thailand more than a year ago after selling The Swan Inn at Alderton.

He is believed to have bought a stretch of beach in the country and was planning to build a home there.

Pete Saxon, the current landlord at The Swan, said: "No one has heard from him since the tsunami.

"No one seems to know what happened. He was texting someone that comes to the pub but that's stopped.

"That could just be down to lack of communications.

"He did send us postcards and I gave them to our barmaid because she worked for him.

"If anyone had heard from him I think we would know about it."

Mr Saxon took over at the pub in January 2004 and Mr Pryke stayed there for a month before moving abroad.

Mr Saxon added: "He used to do a lot of Thai food here and had some Thai girls working here.

"Eventually when he sold up his ambition was to go out and find a beach and live a life of luxury."

Mr Pryke is believed to have a son who lives outside of Suffolk.

Ten people from Suffolk are believed to be missing following the earthquake on Boxing Day and more than 288,000 people are thought to have lost their lives after giant waves hit more than ten countries.

The Disasters Emergency Committee has now received £300 million in donations from the British public in the wake of the disaster.

The appeal will close on February 26, the two-month anniversary of the disaster.

Donations can still be made by sending cheques and postal orders to DEC tsunami earthquake appeal, PO Box 999, London EC3A 3AA. Alternatively visit the DEC website www.dec.org.uk.

N Have you heard from Mr Pryke or do you know anyone else missing following the tsunami? Contact the Evening Star newsdesk on 01473 324788 or email StarNews@eveningstar.co.uk