CCTV released in search for missing teenager with links to Yorkshire

16-year-old Owen Harding was last seen at his home in Saltdean, near Brighton, on Thursday March 26.

His mother Stella Harding said earlier this week that there were fears he may have tried to walk to Pocklington, East Yorkshire, where his girlfriend Meg lives.

The teenager was reportedly upset about not being able to travel by train and see his girlfriend due to the lockdown when he disappeared, Ms Harding said.

A detective has said that there is no evidence currently to suggest Owen may be in Yorkshire, however.

Sussex Police have been carrying out searches in the local area, while an appeal to find Owen was shared nationally this week, including by TV presenter Nadia Sawalha, who is a friend of the family.

The force have now issued CCTV footage of the teenager, thought to be wearing a dark hoodie, dark joggers and white trainers.

It is after police yesterday (Thursday) also appealed for any motorists to check their dashcam footage as part of the search.

Investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Alasdair Henry said: "We are aware of his connection to Yorkshire and suggestions that he may have set out to walk there to see his girlfriend.

"We have not discounted this, but there are no indications at all to support this or indeed that he has left Sussex."

Owen is white, between 5ft 11in and 6ft, and of athletic build, with short brown hair.

DCI Henry added: "We would like to thank the public for their support in our investigation and while we appreciate people would like to help with our searches, we are urging everyone to abide by Government guidance at all times.

"We are utilising all of our available resources to search locally and will, of course, link up with colleagues across the country if there is anything to suggest that he has travelled out of Sussex.

"We are very keen to hear from anyone who can help us in our search for him. This may be through dashcam footage, local CCTV along the A259 between Newhaven and Brighton, by identifying the person in Bevendean Avenue or anything else, no matter how small you think that might be, that might lead to his safe return."

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