Report or find a missing person
If someone goes missing, contact anyone you think may know their whereabouts - if you’re still concerned, contact your local police.
You do not have to wait 24 hours before contacting the police.
The police may ask you:
- for their photo
- details of their friends or relatives
- details of places the person often visits
- whether they had a medical condition
- for a sample of their DNA, for example from a toothbrush
With a relative’s permission, they may also ask to search the person’s home.
The person will be recorded as missing and their details made available to other UK police forces within 48 hours.
Knowing when someone is found
If the police find a person aged under 18, their parents or guardians will usually be told their whereabouts unless police believe the child’s safety is at risk.
If the person is aged over 18, the police will not pass on their whereabouts without their permission.
Organisations that help find missing people
You can contact:
People missing abroad
If someone goes missing abroad you should contact:
- your local police - they will contact the police force in the relevant country (through Interpol)
- the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on 020 7008 5000 (ask for ‘Consular Assistance’)
You can also contact the charity LBT Global
Report a sighting of a missing person
If you spot a missing person contact the police.
If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Missing People to report the sighting.