Search Intensifies for Missing Ladbroke Grove Teen in Epping Forest
Richard Okorogheye, 19, vanished after leaving his family home in Ladbroke Grove, Kensington, on the evening of Monday, 22 March. CCTV footage tracked him travelling by bus across west London before he took a taxi to Loughton, Essex. He was last spotted on camera early on Tuesday, 23 March, walking near Epping Forest at around 00:39.
Massive Police Search Underway
Met Police officers, bolstered by Essex Police, have been scouring Epping Forest for two days but have found no sign of Richard. The search paused yesterday evening and will resume today as detectives follow every lead, keeping an open mind about his whereabouts.
Police Plea: Richard, We Just Want You Safe
Detective Superintendent Danny Gosling, head of the Met’s Central West Public Protection Unit, said: “People can go missing for many reasons. Our job is not to judge but to find them and bring them home safely. “My message to Richard is clear. You are not in trouble and have done nothing wrong. Please get in touch, either with us or someone you trust, and let us know you’re safe. Your loved ones and many others are deeply worried. “Thanks to the public for sharing appeals and checking doorbell and dash cam footage. Your eyes and ears are vital in this search.”
How You Can Help
- If you see Richard, call 999 immediately.
- For other info, ring 101 quoting 21MIS008134.
Timeline of Richard’s Last Movements
- Around 20:30 on 22 March, Richard left his home heading towards Ladbroke Grove, W10.
- At 20:44, CCTV shows him boarding the 23 bus, dressed all in black with a black satchel bag bearing a white Adidas logo.
- He took a taxi from west London to a residential street in Loughton, Essex.
- At 00:39 on 23 March, he was caught on CCTV walking alone on Smarts Lane, Loughton, near Nursery Road and Epping Forest.
- No confirmed sightings have been reported since.
The hunt continues for Richard, and the police urge anyone with information to come forward. Time is critical in missing person cases—every lead counts.
