Thames Valley Police have issued an appeal after a 16‑year‑old from Reading was reported missing following a trip to Bedford on Friday 31 July. The teenager, named in police briefings as Leon, left home intending to travel to Bedford but has not returned.
What the police say
Officers ask anyone with information to contact Thames Valley Police on 101, quoting reference 43260397678. The force has confirmed both families are "concerned for the safety of their children".
Both families are concerned for the safety of their children.
Description and reported circumstances
According to the police description, Leon is approximately 6ft tall, of slim build and has blue hair. At the time he went missing he was reported to be wearing a black T‑shirt, black tracksuit bottoms and black and white Nike trainers. He is believed to be with a friend, Chanelle, who is also missing from the Bedford area.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Age | 16 |
| Height | Approx. 6ft |
| Build | Slim |
| Hair | Blue |
| Clothing (when last seen) | Black T‑shirt, black tracksuit bottoms, black & white Nike trainers |
What local residents can do
Police routinely ask the public to check any footage, dashcam or Ring-style doorbell recordings from the evening of 31 July and the days following. If you were travelling between Reading and Bedford or saw anyone matching the description, please contact Thames Valley Police on 101 with the reference 43260397678. You can also report information anonymously through Crimestoppers.
- Contact Thames Valley Police on 101, quoting reference 43260397678.
- Check private CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage for the evening of 31 July.
- Do not approach the individuals if seen; instead call police.
The disappearance will be worrying for families across Reading. Local community groups and schools often support police appeals like this by sharing details and encouraging anyone with possible sightings to come forward. Thames Valley Police have not released further details about Leon's movements beyond the information above.
Readers with relevant information are urged to contact officers as soon as possible.
