Police are appealing for help to locate a missing 17-year-old who officers believe may be living in woodland around Doncaster with a man now being treated as wanted.
Where and when they were last seen
South Yorkshire Police say the teenager, named only as Rachel, was reported missing from Lowestoft in Suffolk on 23 July and is thought to have travelled to Doncaster. She and a 39-year-old man, identified by police as Craig Clarkson, were last seen outside the Rose store in the Carcroft area on the morning of that date.
Search focus and public appeal
Officers say enquires have pointed to an area of woodland near Long Lands Lane, close to Brodsworth Woodland, and specialist search teams, uniformed officers and detectives are carrying out an extensive search.
“I want to start by making it very clear that Rachel is not in any sort of trouble with the police. We have become extremely concerned for her welfare and are working as hard as possible to find her and check that she is safe.”
The force added that they now treat Clarkson as a wanted person in connection with Rachel’s disappearance and are urging anyone who frequents the area to be vigilant and report anything suspicious.
Descriptions and local detail
Police have provided descriptions and information that may help members of the public identify the pair or signs they have been in the area:
- Rachel: described as a slim white woman with light-coloured hair and a distinctive tattoo on her right hand.
- Craig Clarkson: described as a slim white man, aged 39, known to frequent the Clay Ponds area of Askern.
- Additional notes: Clarkson may be carrying a large rucksack and could have two dogs with him.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Last seen | Outside the Rose store, Carcroft — morning of 23 July |
| Search area | Woodland near Long Lands Lane / Brodsworth Woodland |
| Police action | Specialist search teams, uniformed officers, detectives |
What the police want you to do
Officers are asking anyone who sees Clarkson and Rachel, or spots evidence they have been in the woodland, to report it straight away. If you have information that could help, contact South Yorkshire Police through the usual non-emergency channels.
This is an ongoing investigation. Local people who use Brodsworth Woodland, Long Lands Lane or the Clay Ponds area of Askern are asked to keep an eye out and report anything that might assist officers in locating both individuals.
