Urgent police appeal as fears mount over boy missing for nearly three weeks

Police have issued an urgent appeal for help to find a boy who has been missing for nearly three weeks.

Philip, whose surname has not been given by Lancashire Constabulary, was last seen in the Sandycroft area of Ribbleton, Preston, at 4pm on April 27. Officers say that although it's 'not unusual' for the 17-year-old to not return home for a few days, it is 'unusual for him to be away for this long'.

They say his family are now 'very concerned for his welfare' and numerous enquiries carried out by police have so far been unable to locate him. The force is now appealing to members of the public to help find the teenager who is described as 4ft 9isn tall and of slim build with short blonde hair.

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He was last seen wearing a grey zip up hoodie and blue tracksuit bottoms. A photo of Philip has been released by police and anyone who sees him is urged to come forward as soon as possible.

In a statement issued yesterday, a force spokesperson said: "Have you seen 17-year-old Philip who is missing from Preston? Philip was last seen in the Sandycroft area of Ribbleton at 4pm on 27th April.

"Although it is not unusual for Philip to not return home for a few days, it is unusual for him to be away for this long and his family are now very concerned for his welfare. We have carried out numerous enquiries to find Philip and we are now asking the public to get in touch if you have seen him or know where he is.

"Philip is 4ft 9, slim with short blonde hair. He was last seen wearing a grey zip up hoodie and blue tracksuit bottoms. Anyone with information is asked to email or call 101. Quote log 1079 of 30th April 2024."