Richard Morris is a distinguished British diplomat and his sudden disappearance has raised alarm bells at the FCO

A senior British diplomat has gone missing in Bentley, near Farnham, Hampshire. Richard Morris, who is a former British ambassador to Nepal, was last seen on May 06 after he reportedly went for a jog near his home.

Morris, 52, joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in 1990 and has since developed a strong profile in the department. He rose to public prominence during the time he was ambassador to Nepal between 2015 and 2019.

Morris hosted Prince Harry when the dissident Duke of Sussex (now estranged from the royal family) visited Nepal in March 2016.

Prior to his ambassadorial post in Nepal Morris headed the Pacific department of the FCO. He was also consul general in Sydney (Australia) in addition to serving as director general of trade and investment in Australasia.

Morris also served as consul general at the British Embassy in Mexico between 2005 and 2008.

In October 2019 Morris was appointed the new British High Commissioner (ambassador) to the Republic of Fiji, a position he was due to take up in July 2020.

Hampshire Constabulary has launched a big search for the father of three and has asked local residents to check sheds, outbuildings and gardens in the hope of locating the missing diplomat.

Meanwhile the FCO has released the following statement: Richard Morris is a much-valued and well-liked colleague ... We are extremely worried that he is missing and we all hope he will be found safe and well soon.

SOURCE: PRESS TV