Police have spoken to friends about what mood Mr Edwards was when he left Rudi’s bar, Regent, Circus, Swindon on the night of his disappearance.

Police Inspector Phil Staynings said he had been in a happy demeanour.

He said: “We looked very early on to establish his mood. Everything was entirely normal and he had given his intention to go home. There was nothing out of the ordinary.”

Officers gave him a lift to the bus stops at Swindon Design Outlet Village from Church Place, where they had seen him walking at 10.30pm.

Insp Staynings said: “It was noted by officers he was intoxicated, so they made a judgement call to get him safely to the bus stop. Officers deal with intoxicated people every day of the week.

"They checked in 10 to 15 minutes later so we are happy with the judgement.

“There is nothing at this stage to indicate why he would have had a change of heart. Information suggested he was at the bus station and also some CCTV from a bus which passed the route. Clearly now we are broadening our investigation.

“We are continuing to look for witnesses, both at Swindon and at Calne, from anyone who may have been on the platform or using the train.”