Missing millionaire found safe and well

The missing millionaire Sir Peter Lampl is well in central London, the Sutton Trust said today.

The 61-year-old philanthropist, who has been suffering from depression, called the educational charity from Victoria station, spokesman Tim Devlin said.

Sir Peter, chairman of the Trust, disappeared from his home in south west London two days ago.

Mr Devlin said Sir Peter called the Trust and was put in touch with his family.

He said: "We would like to say we are very relieved to hear that he is safe and well, thanks to the publicity caused by his disappearance.

"I would like to thank the police for putting out a missing persons statement and the media for their concern."

Fears had been growing for Sir Peter since he vanished from his Wimbledon home on Sunday morning.

He had been taking medication for depression since the breakdown of his marriage but did not have it with him when he left.

Police described Sir Peter's disappearance as "entirely out of character".

Friends expressed concern and said they were becoming "more and more worried".

Mr Devlin said Sir Peter had been "very downcast" about the break-up of his marriage.

Sir Peter made his fortune with private equity firm the Sutton Company before founding the Sutton Trust in 1997. It provides educational opportunities for under-privileged children.

He was given a knighthood in 2003.

Mr Devlin said later that Sir Peter was recognised by a member of the public as he sat at Victoria station.

The woman had been reading of his disappearance and showed him the article, which prompted him to call his family and his office.

Mr Devlin said Sir Peter had not been at work "for some months" and had been "taking it easy".

It is believed Sir Peter's wife and three children are currently visiting the United States.

A friend of the family, Glyn Morris, said: "He did not leave in a coherent fashion, which is a function of the medicine he is taking. I presume he's being cared for - having been out on the streets for two nights, I don't know what state he is in.

"From the moment he left the house to when he was found is a total mystery."