2 March 2013 Last updated at 08:18 ET

Missing Wales rugby fan: Ben Thompson search is scaled down

Rugby fan Ben Thompson was last seen after Wales v Ireland last month

Police say the search for a rugby fan who went missing after a Six Nations game a month ago is being scaled down.

Ben Thompson, 34, from Haverfordwest, has not been seen since 2 February, when he watched Wales' game against Ireland in the Millennium Stadium.

Up to 50 police have searched daily in the Leckwith area for him, as well along the River Ely in Cardiff Bay.

South Wales Police said Mr Thompson's family had been informed.

Ch Insp Eddie Ough said: "Despite the skill, professionalism and best efforts of everyone involved we have unfortunately been unable to find Ben.

"Although daily searches of the river are no longer taking place, we will continue to do our best to find Ben with periodic searches over the coming weeks and months.

"Ben's family have been updated and our thoughts are with them during this very difficult time."

Mr Thompson had travelled to Cardiff for the international match with a friend, staying near Cardiff airport, after winning tickets for a hospitality box in the Millennium Stadium.

Afterwards he called his wife Jo but police say there was no more activity on his mobile phone after that.

Walking toward wasteland

He was seen by friends in Mill Lane in the city centre at about 18:30 GMT and then the last known footage of him captured on CCTV showed him crossing Leckwith Road into Lawrenny Avenue at 19:17 GMT, near Cardiff City stadium.

A few minutes later he was again spotted on camera walking down a lane at the end of that road towards wasteland.

Mr Thompson is 5ft 9in tall, with short brown hair and blue eyes. He was wearing a white shirt with blue thin stripes, jeans, and brown leather lace-up boots.

Anyone who has seen him or who has any information which might help police should contact Cardiff Bay Police Station on 029 2033 8465.