Why would an item I was bidding on disappear?

[Pinkkahori]

Just wondering while I am waiting on reply from the seller. It's never happened to me before. I was the highest bidder and item was ending last night.
When I checked this morning it has completely disappeared. No notification that I was outbid and it isn't awaiting payment.

Thanks

The seller has ended the auction early. You should receive an email.

Chances are seller removed the item. Could be for a number of reasons.

Thanks. I have bought from this seller before so have contact details but if it wasn't for that i'd have no way you follow up and there seems to be no trace of it anywhere.
Should there not be an automatic message or something?