What do you do if you think someone you know has gone missing? We present the answers to the questions most often asked.

How do I report someone missing?
This can be done by contacting your local police station, either by attending in person or over the telephone.

What will happen then?
Details will be recorded and then circulated on the Police National Computer. The initial investigating officer will carry out some immediate enquiries to try and find the person as soon as possible. This will include a search of their home address to establish any potential leads. If they are not found in these first few hours the investigation will be allocated to an officer at the police station to continue the enquiries.

How long should I wait before reporting someone missing?
If you are at all worried about someone you believe is missing then do NOT hesitate to report this to police. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO WAIT 24 HOURS TO REPORT SOMEONE MISSING. In an emergency dial 999.

Is there an age limit for someone who is missing?
No, any person who has gone missing can be reported to police.

I believe I know someone who has gone missing abroad. How do I report them missing?
In the event that the person is missing abroad report the matter to your local police. Details will be taken by the police and passed to Interpol who will then initiate enquiries in the country in which the person was last seen. You may also wish to contact the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the consulate of that country in the UK.

My partner has abducted our child and left the country without my knowledge or consent. What can I do?
This is a criminal offence (S1 Child Abduction Act) and should be reported immediately to Police. It is also dealt with by Civil Law and you should seek the advice of a family law solicitor to ensure that proceedings can be initiated at the High Court to return your child to the UK

I have lost contact with my friend/relative and would like to get back in touch with them - can I report them missing to the police?
If you are concerned for the safety of your friend/relative and you believe they have gone missing, you should report it to your local police station. If you just want to contact them, there are a number of organisations that may be able to assist such as the National Missing Persons Helpline and the Salvation Army. You may also wish to consider viewing the voters register at your local library, obtain a CD Rom containing voters register information UK-wide, use the internet where there are a number of websites involved in tracing school friends, family friends etc.

I have been reported missing, I don’t want my family to know where I am, but would like them to know I am OK.
You should attend your local police station in person and provide proof of your identity and tell them that you have been reported missing. Alternatively, you can e-mail (pnmpb.enquiries@met.pnn.police.uk) the Police National Missing Persons Bureau with your full name, DOB, contact telephone number, postal and e-mail addresses.

The PNMPB will contact the local police and they will speak to you to confirm that you are safe and let your family know you are safe. Unless you are considered to be particularly vulnerable and at risk, the police will respect your wishes for your family not to be informed of your whereabouts.

I have some information concerning a missing person, but I want to provide this anonymously?
If you wish to remain anonymous or do not wish to contact police you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the National Missing Persons Helpline Charity on 0500 700 700. They will take your information in confidence and pass it on to police.