Searches are underway around campus grounds for a UEA student who has been missing for more than four days.

%image(14684031, type="article-full", alt="Nick Sadler with his sister, Lauren. Nick has been described as "the sweetest guy you could ever meet" by his family. Picture: Will Sadler")

And Nick Sadler's family has issued an emotional plea for him to make contact after his 'unusual and out of character' disappearance.

Nick, 25, is in his final year of a film and television studies degree at the UEA, after moving to the city from his home town of King's Lynn.

He had been 'worried' about the future after graduation, his family said, and was last seen by his house mates in the early hours of Friday morning.

Nick's father Will Sadler, 59, has urged his son to let them know he is safe as concerns build over his safety.

'We are all very worried about you and want to know you are safe,' said Mr Sadler. 'Whatever you may think, nobody thinks any less of you.

'Your family and friends love you dearly and want to see you again. Please contact us to let us know you are safe. Ring the police or if you have not got any money reverse charge to call us.

%image(14686805, type="article-full", alt="Nick Sandler. Picture: Norfolk Police")

'If anybody knows of Nick's whereabouts please tell the police. His family and friends are extremely worried by his unusual and out of character disappearance.'

Nick is in his fourth year at the UEA after taking a foundation year in his degree.

He lived with three others on Helena Road in Earlham, where he was last seen.

He had asked a friend to play Fortnite around 2am, Mr Sadler said, but was not home on Sunday morning when a house mate checked in on him.

Nick has left behind his wallet, mobile phone and house keys, and does not have his medication.

Michael Howard, one of Nick's friends, said: 'It is like he vanished without a trace.

%image(14687139, type="article-full", alt="A pair of black Nike trainers Nick Sadler is thought to have been wearing when he went missing. Picture: Will Sadler")

'Police are currently searching around UEA, there are drones and they have got a boat in the lake.

'We are just desperately appealing for anybody who has any information. The only thing we know for sure is he was wearing black Nike trainers.'

Police have asked people do not attempt to carry out their own searches for the time being while their investigations continue.

A spokesman said: 'Police search advisors, who are working closely with Norfolk Lowland Search and Rescue, are asking members of the public not to undertake their own searches whilst the investigation remains in its early stages.'

His parents said Nick had been ringing them every day when he came back to Norwich after Christmas, and had been 'homesick'.

They last heard from him on Sunday, February 3.

'He was a little bit unsettled about going to uni,' said Mr Sadler. 'In his last year he has been worried about his dissertation and worried about getting a job.

'He was a very close, very loving boy. He has got his whole life ahead of him.

'He is a lovely lad and very family orientated. He always spoke to us about what his worries were, and he hasn't been secretive at all.'

Nick grew up in King's Lynn and attended the King Edward VII school. He moved to Norwich for university and was due to graduate this summer.

Officers have been making enquiries; however they have been unable to locate Nick and they are becoming increasingly concerned for his welfare.

Nick is described as white, 5ft 8 inches tall, medium build with dark brown hair, wearing glasses, he has stubble and he speaks with a Norfolk accent.

A Facebook group has been set up to help with the searches, called Help find Nick.

A UEA spokeswoman said: 'We are working with police to locate Nick Sadler, a third year UEA student, who is currently missing.

'The university is offering counselling through the student support service to any students and staff affected by Nick's disappearance, and are available for anyone who needs support.'

Anybody who has seen Nick or knows of his current whereabouts should contact Norfolk Police immediately on 101 quoting CAD 22 of Sunday, February 10 2019.