Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from Shellharbour.

Michael Imad, aged 31, was last seen at a shopping centre on Lake Entrance Road at Shellharbour City Centre about 3.30pm on Thursday.

When he was unable to be located or contacted, officers attached to Lake Illawarra Police District were notified and started inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for Michael’s welfare.

Michael is described as being of Middle Eastern appearance, about 165cm to 170cm tall, of medium build and has short black hair, with black facial hair.

He was last seen wearing a black hooded jumper, blue camo track pants, black joggers.

Michael is known to frequent the Illawarra and Bondi Junction areas.