Fears For Depressed Missing Banker

A depressed Dutch financier who recently left his job at troubled banking group ABN Amro has gone missing along with two of his shotguns, police have said.

Officers are concerned for the welfare of high-flying banker Huibert Boumeester, who has not been seen since Monday, when he missed a business appointment.

Two of the six shotguns he is licensed to hold have also gone missing from his London and Scotland homes, said the Metropolitan Police.

A police spokesman said: "Huibert is known to frequent the areas of Clapham, Windsor, High Wycombe, and Scotland.

"He has been feeling down of late, and police are growing increasingly concerned for his safety."

Police are also appealing for information to trace his car, a blue 56-registration Range Rover.

Detective Inspector Mick Standing, from Westminster Police, said: "We are now growing increasingly concerned for Huibert's safety, and would urge him, or anyone who has information about his whereabouts, to come forward and contact us."

Mr Boumeester, 49, was chief financial officer at ABN Amro - whose takeover in 2007 plunged the Royal Bank of Scotland into record losses - until early last year, after nearly 20 years with the company.

A spokeswoman for the Dutch bank refused to confirm whether he left the company voluntarily or was forced out.

Staff at Artemis Assets Management, where the missing businessman was appointed to the board following a merger with ABN Amro, said he resigned in March this year citing "personal reasons".

Mr Boumeester, who is reportedly estranged from his wife, is described as being of large build and with short, straight black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Met Police on 020 7321 7430, or the National Missing Persons Helpline on 0500 700 700.