Police are urging people to call 999 immediately if they see missing Tom Dingle
Police are urging people to call 999 immediately if they see missing Tom Dingle(Image: Lancs Police)
The heartbroken family of a man who went missing near Wigan have said ‘we just want him home’ as the search for the 19-year-old continues for a fourth day. Tom Dingle was last sighted in the early hours of Saturday morning in the Wigan area and has not been seen since.
He was reported missing after being last seen on Stonemill Rise in Appley Bridge at around 12.30am on December 13. Officers believe the 19-year-old was later seen on Mill Lane heading towards Appley Lane North at around 12.40am.
Lancashire Constabulary are leading the investigation and have said searches are ongoing to trace Tom. Officers are now appealing for anyone with CCTV footage in the area to come forward as they attempt to trace his last movements.
Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester, Tom’s mother Susan said the family ‘just want him home’ and that Tom was ‘grieving’ due to a family bereavement when he went missing.
“We’ve even put a note on the front door so he knows he can just walk in. We’re just here to love and protect him,” she told the station. We’re worried about his state of mind. He’s grieving very, very much.”
She added: “We just want him home, where he’s safe. It’s cold out at night and it’s wet – and we don’t know if he’s seeking shelter anywhere. We just love him so much, and we miss him desperately.”
Lancashire Constabulary said on Tuesday (December 16) that searches for the 19-year-old ‘are very much ongoing’. Anyone who sees him is being urged to call 999 immediately. He is described as being 5ft 11, of a slight build with short black hair and has links to Lancaster.
The force added: “As part of those enquiries, you will see our officers in and around Appley Bridge. If you have seen Tom or have any information that could help us find him please feel free to approach them as they carry out their duties.
“We’re also appealing for any CCTV or dashcam footage that may show Tom. If you have footage that shows the Stonemill Rise and Appley Lane North area from 12:30am on Saturday, please let us know. He has links to Appley Bridge and Lancaster.
“He was last seen wearing a black Vans hoodie, black jeans and black Doc Martin shoes and carrying a backpack over his shoulder. If you see Tom, please call 999 as soon as you can.”
If you have information or CCTV footage that could help us find Tom, please call 101 quoting log 0120 of 13th December.