What to do if someone goes missing

In all missing persons cases it is advised that you first contact the police and file a missing persons report, listen to the police advice given and act accordingly.

Local police stations:

  • Chingford: 020 8529 8666
  • Walthamstow: 020 8520 3211
  • Leyton: 020 8556 8855
  • Leytonstone: 020 8558 7886

Are you a young person who has run away?

If you are under 18 and have run away from home or care, or have been forced to leave home, you might want some help or want to contact someone in your family?

Who can help?

Whether you are wanting to trace relatives or have run away yourself there are various organisations that can help you. Once contact has been made the first aim is to open up a means of communication between you both. Below are just a few organisations that may be able to help you:

National Missing Persons Helpline – A UK charity dedicated to helping missing people and supporting their families while they wait for news. If you wish to call home, then call them on 0500 700 700.

Salvation Army Family Tracing Services – This service aims to restore (or to sustain) family relationships by tracing relatives with whom contact has been lost. Call them on 0845 634 4747.

Runaway Helpline – A confidential helpline dedicated to children and young people under the age of 18 who have run away from home or care, or who have been forced to leave home. The helpline offers advice and information to support and enable you to make a decision about what you want to do next. Call them on 0808 800 70 70.

Other information

We also have a web page on what to do if you are concerned about the health, safety or well-being of a child.