The parents of a missing 22-year-old foreign exchange student from the University of West England in Bristol have travelled to the United States to help in the search to find him, a spokesman for the family said.

Geography student Jonathan Dorey was last seen on the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) campus in the city of Richmond, Virginia, on March 2.

His parents flew to the United States to aid the search as a Facebook appeal to help find him attracted more than 10,000 members.

Mr Dorey, known as Jonny, is on an exchange visit. He disappeared after attending a morning lecture.

His mobile phone was turned off and his bicycle vanished, according to reports.

Family spokesman Bob Beebe said: “Everyone’s thoughts are with Mr Dorey’s parents and friends at this time.

“It is important to note that at the moment we are in an information gathering and awareness stage of the search.”

Mr Beebe added: “Both the Guernsey authorities and emergency services in the US are working hard to trace Jonny as soon as possible.”

He urged anyone with information about Mr Dorey’s whereabouts to contact Guernsey police.

According to reports in the US, police say there is no sign of foul play.

One of his teachers at VCU told the Richmond-Times Dispatch that Mr Dorey approached him expressing concern about his heavy workload.

AJ Shriar told the newspaper: “I think he was feeling a little frustrated, a bit overwhelmed by the work.”

He added that Mr Dorey appeared calm and only wanted to share his view.