Tom Dingle: Family issue emotional plea to find 19-year-old

Tom Dingle went missing a week ago, on December 13, in Stonemill Rise at approximately 12.30 a.m.

He was later seen in Mill Lane heading towards Appley Lane North at around 12.40am.

When he was last seen, he was wearing a black Vans hoodie, black jeans and black Doc Martin shoes and carrying a backpack over his shoulder. He is described as 5 feet 11 inches tall with short black hair.

Tom’s mum, Sue, said: “We just want him home as soon as possible.

“We’ve even put a note on the front door so he knows he can just walk in. We’re just here to love and protect him, that’s all.

“Tom is in a vulnerable state of mind following a traumatic event. He is grieving very much.

“My husband Peter and I, and Tom’s older brother, are going out of our minds with worry that something may have happened to him.

“We just want him home where it’s safe. It’s cold and wet out at night. We don’t know if he’s seeking shelter anywhere.

“He needs to know that he’s not in any trouble because of the distress and worry. He needs to know that we are not in any way upset with him.

“We just want him home. We just love him so much and miss him desperately. So many people miss him as well, especially his family.”

Lancashire Constabulary’s enquiries are ongoing, and as part of them, there is an increased police presence in and around Appley Bridge.

The force asks that if you have seen Tom or have any information that could help them locate him, you approach officers as they carry out their duties.

They are also asking for footage covering the Stonemill Rise and Appley Lane North area from 12:30 am on Saturday. Whether this is CCTV, mobile phone, doorbell or dashcam footage, it could really help us with our search.

Tom has links to Appley Bridge, Lancaster and Wigan.

If you see Tom, please call 999 as soon as you can.

If you have information or footage that could help us find Tom, please call 101 quoting log 0120 of 13th December.