CCTV released in search for Chesterfield’s missing top cop

It shows Tim Frowhein walking down Macclesfield Old Road in Buxton at about 1.30pm on Sunday just after he left home.

As well as the footage, officers have issued a picture of a green Mountain Essentials walking pole like the one he was carrying.

Derbyshire police Assistant Chief Constable Dee Collins said: “We are trying to trace some people who were in the Goyt Valley at the same time as Tim.

“We’d specifically like to talk to a man and woman, who were dressed in light running gear, who were seen on Berry Clough heading towards Derbyshire Bridge.

“We also know that other people, including the driver of a 4x4 Mitsubishi Delica and three off-road cyclists, were in that area at about 2pm.”

She added: “This is totally out of character for Tim and I’m extremely concerned about him, particularly as the weather was so cold last night.

“His family are very worried about him.”

The married dad-of-three is currently Chief Inspector at Chesterfield, looking after Amber Valley and Chesterfield, and was previously head of roads policing. Mr Frohwein worked for Kent and Cheshire police before joining the Derbyshire force. He is a trained hostage negotiator.

Mountain rescue teams from across the county have been involved in the search for Mr Frohwein.

In a statement, his family said: “We’d like to thank the police search team and the mountain rescue volunteers for their ongoing efforts towards finding dad. We would also like to thank those friends and family praying for his safe return.

“While these thorough searches are going on locally we would also like to appeal to the wider public to assist with any possible sightings or information that may help bring dad home.

“In his job he used to be the one doing the searching – now it’s all been turned upside down.”

Phil Booth, leader of the Derbyshire branch of the Christian Police Association, added: “Tim has been a committed and faithful Christian as long as I have known him.

“I would be grateful if you could lift up Tim in your prayers, along with his family and colleagues, during this difficult time.”

Alcohol awareness campaigner Gary Topley, of Chesterfield, who knows Mr Frohwein well, said: “He is such a genuine and down-to-earth person. I hope he has come to no harm and is found soon.”

Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins called the news “worrying”.

Mr Frohwein was last seen wearing a three-quarter length dark coat, pale blue shirt and brown jeans. He may have been carrying a walking pole.

He has short dark hair and wears glasses.

Colleagues at Derbyshire Constabulary are becoming increasingly concerned for his wellbeing because he is recovering from recent knee surgery.

Officers are appealing to anyone who has seen Mr Frohwein or who has found a walking pole on the moors to contact them on 101.

• For updates on this story, keep checking www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk