Missing Ladbroke Grove Teen Sparks Massive Hunt Across Epping Forest
Richard, 19, vanished after leaving his family home in Ladbroke Grove, Kensington, on the night of Monday, 22 March. CCTV shows him travelling across west London by bus before hopping into a taxi bound for Loughton, Essex. He was last caught on camera in the early hours of Tuesday, 23 March, wandering near Epping Forest.
Met and Essex Police Launch Major Search Operation
Following the last sighting, officers from the Met Police and Essex Police have scoured Epping Forest for two days straight. The extensive searches wrapped up yesterday evening but came up empty-handed. Officers are set to resume their efforts this morning, focused on uncovering any clue to Richard’s whereabouts.
Police Appeal: “Richard, You’re Not in Trouble. We Just Want You Home Safe.”
Detective Superintendent Danny Gosling, head of the Met’s Central West Public Protection Unit, urged: “People can go missing for all sorts of reasons. Our job isn’t to judge but to find them and bring them home safely.
“Richard, if you hear this message, please get in touch with us or someone you trust. You are not in trouble and have done nothing wrong. Your family and countless others are deeply worried.”
“Thanks to the public for sharing our appeals, checking doorbell and dashcam footage, and providing tips. The community’s watchful eyes are crucial in this search.”
Key Facts: What We Know So Far
- Richard left home around 8:30pm on 22 March, heading through Ladbroke Grove, W10.
- CCTV caught him boarding the No. 23 bus at 8:44pm, dressed in black with a black satchel bag featuring a white Adidas logo.
- He later took a taxi from west London to Smarts Lane, Loughton, Essex.
- Last footage shows him walking alone near Nursery Road and Epping Forest at 12:39am on 23 March.
- No confirmed sightings since.
Have you seen Richard? Call 999 immediately if you spot him. Otherwise, ring 101 quoting incident 21MIS008134 with information to help bring him home.
