Update: Brazilian artist's cash cards used

9:35am Friday 16th May 2008

Bank cards belonging to a Brazilian artist who went missing more than a week ago have been used to withdraw cash, police have confirmed.

Initial reports suggested that CCTV images had captured Battersea Arts Centre (BAC) worker Vado Mesquita at the cash machines.

However this was not confirmed by police, who would only say that his cards had been used to make withdrawals.

Concerns have been mounting for the well being of the 48-year-old, who was last seen outside the post office in Lavender Hill by a friend at 6.45pm last Wednesday, May 7.

The artist's disappearance has been described as out-of-character, particularly because he was due to attend an exhibition of his work at the BAC but did not turn up.

His mum had travelled from Brazil to see his exhibition and had been staying with him.

Mr Mesquita is described as being 5ft 7ins tall, of slim build, with short black curly hair.

He was last seen wearing a blue shirt and carrying a red bag.

Anyone with information is asked to call Wandsworth Missing Persons Unit on 020 8247 8062 or Missing Persons Helpline on 0500 700 700.

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