Searches continue to find missing man Stephen – Oxford and Aldworth

Thames Valley Police is renewing its appeal for the public’s help to find missing man Stephen, from Oxford and will be conducting further searches this weekend.

It has now been more than six months since Stephen, aged 54, was last seen.

He was reported missing on Sunday 20 April this year, having not been heard from since 30 March.

Stephen’s car, a blue Mazda 3, was abandoned by a field on the Ridgeway near Southfields, Aldworth, West Berkshire; it is thought to have been there since 31 March.

Officers are due to re-search this area on Saturday (13/12) and Sunday (14/12) after being granted permission from the landowner to use its grounds for this purpose.

More than 70 volunteers will be involved in the search, including Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue who will be assisted by Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Search and Rescue, in addition to 12 Licenced Search Officers.

Stephen is 5ft 11ins tall, of slim build, and may be wearing blue jeans, an open necked top, striped cardigan, walking boots and glasses, as pictured below. He is known to carry a backpack with him.

Stephen also has links to Littlehampton, West Sussex.

Lead investigating officer, Detective Inspector Elizabeth Batchelor, said: “Ever since Stephen was reported missing in April, we have been growing increasingly concerned for his welfare.

“Our officers have searched the Ridgeway, where his car was abandoned with support from Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue and have been continuing to make enquiries in an effort to trace him.

“We have been working hard to find Stephen since he was reported missing and we hope that this weekend of action in the area where his car was found will help us in our search.

“We continue to appeal for the public’s help to locate him so if you see Stephen, please call 999, quoting reference number 43250192691.

“Anyone with information on Stephen’s whereabouts, no matter how insignificant or small it may seem, please make a report via our website.

“Stephen, if you see this appeal, please know that you are not in any trouble, but we are concerned for you. So, please contact us and let us know where you are.”

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