A £20,000 reward is being offered by police for information over the disappearance of a “well-known” doorman who was last seen 15 years ago.

Jimmy Harmon, who worked part-time as a doorman at the Robin Hood pub in Longbridge Road, Dagenham, went missing on Saturday, January 24, 1998, after visiting his girlfriend’s house in Romford.

Officers believe answers lie in the “criminal fraternity” in east London.

Jimmy was last seen at around 3pm, soon after receiving a call on his mobile phone.

He told his girlfriend he was going to meet a friend in Rainham and would be back but never returned.

The doorman, who also worked as a mechanic/fitter, left in his distinctive silver Mercedes 190E saloon, registration A872 GBA, which had lowered suspension and a loud music system.

The car was later found abandoned near to King George Hospital, Goodmayes and police believe it had been there since the day Jimmy went missing.

Jimmy’s body has never been recovered but police presume he has been murdered.

Detectives are offering the substantial reward for information leading to the identification, arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

Det Ch Insp Neale Baldock said: “[Jimmy] was well known as a doorman at a number of east London clubs and pubs.

“I know he was involved in criminal activity in east London and I believe the key to this investigation is likely to come from within that criminal fraternity or their associates.

“In the intervening years loyalties and allegiances may have changed, and I would appeal to anyone with new information to come forward and speak to us.”

Jimmy was described as white, 5ft 7ins and stocky with short cropped brown hair. He was last seen wearing a blue Budweiser t-shirt, tracksuit bottoms and trainers.

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8345 1571 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.