If you think a friend or family member may be missing and at risk, and you have not yet informed the police or any other authority, call 999 or your local police station immediately to report a missing person.

If you are unsure of how to report a missing person, or whether the individual you are concerned about would be considered missing by the police, please click on the link below to read our guidance on what to do: 

 The disappearance of someone who is close to you can be a traumatic and confusing time for those left behind and may affect many aspects of day to day life. This guide is designed to offer advice on a variety of topics relating to the disappearance of a family member. However, much of the advice found here  will be of use to anyone connected to a missing person, including friends, colleagues and carers.

Some missing people will only be missing for a matter of hours, so some families will only need a fraction of the information and advice provided in this section. If someone is missing for a longer period, more of the guidance may become relevant and useful.

The guidance is arranged into different categories. Clicking on each link (left) will take you to information relating to that area, with individual sheets about specific topics.

If you need further information or to talk to someone, please call our 24 hour confidential helpline on 0500 700 700 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Missing People has sought to ensure that the information on this website is accurate. However, Missing People will not accept liability for any loss, damage or inconvenience arising as a consequence of any use of or the inability to use any information on this website. We are not responsible for claims brought by third parties arising from your use of www.missingpeople.org.uk.

Missing People assumes no responsibility for quality of services received from any mentioned organisations or the contents of linked websites. The inclusion of any link should not be taken as endorsement of any kind by Missing People of the linked website or any association with its operators. Further, Missing People has no control over the availability of the linked pages.