Police are desperately searching streets and local walking tracks for a man who has been missing for 24 hours in Melbourne.

John, 62, was last seen visiting a relative's home on Wolseley Parade in Kensington, about 3.30pm yesterday.

Family have described his disappearance as "out of character" and are concerned for his welfare due to a medical condition.

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John's wife, Anne-Marie, said it came as a "complete suprise" when they didn't hear from him last night.

"I am really worried, we missing a father, husband, brother, uncle. We just want me back," John's wife Anne-Marie said.

"It's been cold and we don't remember the last time he ate."

Police believe John might be in the Kensington or Essendon areas and is known to frequent public transport.

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He was last seen wearing a black beanie, a black jacket with a hood and a Victoria Government logo, dark blue navy pants, light blue runners and carrying a horse feed bag to collect aluminium cans.

John is described as Caucasian, about 178cm tall, with a slim build and grey hair.

Anyone with information or who may know John's whereabouts is urged to call triple zero.

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