Dorset Police have released new CCTV images as the search for missing Christchurch teenager Charlie Smith continues. The 13-year-old was reported missing after he was last seen at around 3pm on Thursday, October 3, in Beaufort Road, Bournemouth. Charlie last made contact with his family at around 3:30pm that day.
Following further investigations, police have now obtained CCTV images that show what is believed to be the last confirmed sighting of Charlie. The images show Charlie in the company of a man in the area of Jumpers Road, walking toward Barrack Road, in Christchurch, at around 4:45pm on October 3.
Detective Chief Inspector Aimee Schock of Dorset Police stated: “Charlie has still not been in contact with family or friends, and we remain concerned for his welfare. We have been carrying out extensive enquiries to locate Charlie, and have obtained CCTV images of him in the company of a man in Christchurch on the afternoon of Thursday, October 3, 2024.
Charlie is described as being 5ft 1in tall, of slim build, with shoulder-length black hair that is blonde at the roots. He was last seen wearing grey or black baggy jeans, black platform shoes with white shiny bats on them, and a blue baseball jacket with white sleeves.
DCI Schock added: “I would urge anyone with information regarding Charlie’s whereabouts or who can help us identify the person he was with to please make contact with us immediately. I would also like to make a further plea to Charlie: please make contact with us or your family and let us know where you are. We just want to make sure that you are all right.”
Anyone with information about Charlie’s whereabouts is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240152578.
Dorset Police are continuing to appeal to the public to help locate Charlie, with his welfare being their utmost priority. The investigation remains ongoing, and officers are committed to bringing Charlie safely home to his family.