An empty Monster energy drink could be key in the search for a missing dad-of-five who vanished from his home almost seven weeks ago.

Thomas Roche, 26, told his partner he was going to smoke a cigarette on October 6.

He subsequently left his flat in Milton Keynes with his phone, bank card and passport and never returned. 

His sister Carly is appealing for help and said a Monster energy drink can be found a mile away from his home and has his DNA on it, according to forensic tests by police.

The family are appealing for people to look out for the empty cans appearing in sheds and outbuildings - where Tom could be seeking shelter as the weather gets colder.

Carly said: "If Tom were deceased, we feel his body would have been found by now.
"Police have carried out exhausted searches locally and we as a family have also searched continuously in woods and fields."

Tom, who is dad to children aged one, three, four, five and seven, took no clothes or cash with him.

His family are convinced he is still alive and somehow managing to survive sleeping rough.

They said there had been unconfirmed sightings of him in Corby and Daventry in Northants.

Tom's mum, dad and five siblings believe he may have vanished because he was confused or concussed, following a fall from his bicycle just days before.

Carly describes her brother as a "survivor" and an introverted loner who regularly walks miles in the countryside.

She said he would be capable of surviving outdoors alone, fishing and hunting for food.

However, she explained that one thing he could never go without is his Monster energy drinks, particularly the original flavour ones in black and green cans.

Carly added: "So far they've all said Tom is still alive and trying to clear his head.

"We have to believe that. We have to believe that he will be found in time for all the family birthdays coming up in December and in time to spend Christmas with his children.

"We can't give up hope."

The family is turning to psychics and spiritual mediums in a bid to get some answers.
Tom is described as being aged in his mid 20's, around 6ft in height of a slim build, and usually wears black tracksuit bottoms with a black jumper and blue hoodie.

He also wears black Adidas trainers which have three green stripes on them.

Any sightings of Tom should be reported to police on 999, quoting reference 43240480455.