Merseyside Police has issued an urgent appeal for public assistance in locating Finley Jones, a 16-year-old from Wallasey who was reported missing on Thursday, October 2. Officers are conducting ongoing enquiries and are asking anyone who sees him to call 999 immediately.
Key Takeaways
- Missing Person: Finley Jones, age 16.
- Last Seen: Thursday, October 2, 2025.
- Description: Approximately 5ft 9in tall, slim build, with brown hair.
- Known Links: Finley has connections to his home area of Wallasey and to Liverpool city centre.
- Urgent Action: The public is urged to call 999 immediately if they see Finley to ensure his safety.
Details of the Disappearance
Finley Jones was last seen on Thursday, October 2. At the time of his disappearance, concerns were raised for his welfare, prompting a public appeal from Merseyside Police. Active investigations are underway to trace his whereabouts.
Authorities have released a physical description to help the public identify him. He is described as being around 5 feet 9 inches tall with a slim build. He has brown hair. No further details about the clothing he was wearing at the time he went missing have been released.
Police Issue Urgent Public Appeal
Merseyside Police are treating the search for Finley as a high priority and have emphasized the critical role the public can play. The instruction to call 999 upon sighting him is a measure used when there is an immediate concern for a person's safety and well-being.
This direct line ensures a rapid police response, allowing officers to get to the location quickly and confirm the individual's safety. Delays in reporting can significantly hinder search efforts, as a person can cover a considerable distance in a short amount of time.
Why Police Ask the Public to Call 999
In high-risk missing person cases, especially involving minors, police often request the public to use the 999 emergency number instead of non-emergency lines like 101. This is because a confirmed, real-time sighting provides the best possible lead for officers to locate someone quickly and ensure they are not in harm's way. The 999 system prioritizes the call and dispatches resources immediately.
How to Provide Information
While immediate sightings should be reported via 999, Merseyside Police has provided several other channels for the public to share non-urgent information that could be relevant to the investigation.
Anyone who may have seen Finley since Thursday or has information about his potential whereabouts can use the following methods:
- Online Form: Information can be submitted through the Merseyside Police website via the specific 'Report a Sighting of a Missing Person' form.
- Social Media: Contact the Merseyside Police Contact Centre on X (formerly Twitter) at @MerPolCC.
- Non-Emergency Number: Call 101 to pass on any other relevant information.
Police have stressed that any piece of information, no matter how small it may seem, could be vital to their enquiries.
Search Focuses on Wallasey and Liverpool
The search for Finley is currently focused on areas where he is known to have connections. These include his home town of Wallasey in Wirral and Liverpool city centre. Residents and visitors in these locations are asked to be particularly vigilant.
Police often focus on known locations as missing individuals may gravitate towards places they are familiar with. This can include parks, shopping centres, transport hubs, or areas where they have friends or family. Public awareness in these specific zones is crucial for a successful search operation.
The Importance of Local Knowledge
According to the charity Missing People, most missing individuals are found within a short distance of where they were last seen. Public appeals are especially effective in densely populated urban areas like Liverpool city centre, where more people can act as eyes and ears for the police.
What to Do If You See Finley Jones
Police have issued clear guidance for the public on the steps to take if they believe they have seen Finley. The primary concern is his safety, and the following protocol is recommended to ensure a positive and safe outcome.
Firstly, do not approach him directly. While the intention may be to help, it could cause a vulnerable person to become frightened and leave the area, complicating the police search.
Instead, members of the public should:
- Call 999 immediately. This is the most important step.
- Inform the operator that you are reporting a sighting of a missing person, providing Finley's name.
- Provide a clear location. Give the street name, nearby landmarks, or shop names. If on public transport, provide the route number, direction of travel, and the last stop.
- Give a description of his clothing. Note what he is wearing, including colours of jackets, trousers, and shoes, and if he is carrying a bag.
- Note the time of the sighting and the direction he was heading.
- If it is safe to do so, try to keep him in your sight from a distance until police arrive, but do not engage directly.
Every detail helps officers build a picture of his movements and increases the chances of locating him safely. The cooperation of the public is an invaluable asset in missing person investigations.