An urgent search is underway across Merseyside and beyond for a 17-year-old boy who vanished from Rock Ferry on Tuesday night. Merseyside Police have issued a public appeal for information regarding the whereabouts of Khalil Oriakhill, expressing growing concern for his welfare.
The teenager was last seen in the Wirral area, but with known connections to major cities including Manchester and London, authorities are casting a wide net in their efforts to locate him safely.
Key Takeaways
- Missing Person: Khalil Oriakhill, 17, has been reported missing from Rock Ferry, Wirral.
- Last Seen: He was last spotted at an address on Old Chester Road at approximately 10 p.m. on Tuesday, September 9.
- Description: Khalil is described as 5' 5" tall, of a slim build, with brown hair and brown stubble.
- Urgent Appeal: Merseyside Police urge the public to call 999 immediately if they see him, as enquiries to ensure his safety are ongoing.
Details of the Disappearance
Concerns were raised after Khalil Oriakhill failed to return or make contact after being last seen late Tuesday evening. His last known location was an address on Old Chester Road in Rock Ferry, a detail central to the initial police investigation. The time of his disappearance, around 10 p.m., marks the starting point for a timeline authorities are urgently trying to piece together.
Detectives are currently conducting extensive enquiries, which include reviewing local CCTV footage and speaking with individuals who may have seen or interacted with Khalil around the time he went missing. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance remain unclear, adding to the urgency of the public appeal.
The Critical First 48 Hours
In missing persons cases involving teenagers, the first 48 hours are often considered the most critical period for gathering information and establishing a direction of travel. Public assistance during this window can provide vital leads that may otherwise be missed.
Identifying Khalil: A Detailed Description
For the public to effectively assist in the search, Merseyside Police have released a detailed description of the missing teenager. Khalil is described as being 5 feet 5 inches tall with a slim build. He has brown hair and was noted to have brown stubble at the time he was last seen.
The clothing he was wearing is also a key identifier for potential witnesses. He was dressed in a distinctive navy blue Montirex jacket, navy pants, and black trainers. This specific brand information could be crucial for jogging someone's memory.
What to Look For
- Height: 5' 5"
- Build: Slim
- Hair: Brown with brown stubble
- Outerwear: Navy blue Montirex jacket
- Trousers: Navy pants
- Footwear: Black trainers
- Accessory: Carrying a grey Under Armour rucksack
Furthermore, Khalil was carrying a grey Under Armour rucksack. This item is particularly noteworthy as it may contain personal belongings and is a visible accessory that could make him stand out in a crowd or on public transport footage.
Search Widens Due to National Links
While the initial focus of the search is on the Wirral and greater Merseyside area, the investigation has a national scope. According to police, Khalil has established links to several other parts of the country, significantly broadening the potential search area.
These connections include Liverpool city centre and Everton, as well as two major metropolitan hubs: Manchester and London. Authorities are collaborating with police forces in these areas to share information and extend the public appeal. The possibility that he may have used public transport to travel to one of these locations is a key line of enquiry.
The Importance of Inter-City Connections
These links are vital pieces of information for the public. Residents, commuters, and transport workers in Manchester and London are also being urged to remain vigilant. Police are likely examining travel manifests and CCTV from major train stations, coach terminals, and transport networks connecting Liverpool to these cities.
How You Can Help: An Urgent Public Appeal
Merseyside Police have stressed that public information is paramount to ensuring Khalil is found safe and well. They have issued a direct and urgent plea for anyone who may have seen him or has any information, no matter how small it may seem, to come forward immediately.
"If you see Khalil, please call 999 so we can make sure he is safe and well," a Merseyside Police spokesperson stated.
The force has provided multiple channels for the public to report information, catering to different levels of urgency and preference.
Reporting a Sighting or Information
- Immediate Sightings: If you see Khalil, the instruction is clear and direct: call 999 immediately. This ensures the fastest possible response from officers on the ground.
- Non-Urgent Information: If you have information about his possible whereabouts or past movements, you can contact police via the Merseyside Police website's 'Report a missing person' section.
- Social Media: You can send a direct message to @MerPolCC on X (formerly Twitter) or contact the 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook.
- Phone (Non-Emergency): The non-emergency number 101 is also available for passing on information.
- Anonymous Reporting: The charity Missing People can be contacted on 116 000 for a confidential conversation.
The community's role cannot be overstated. Sharing this appeal and remaining vigilant could provide the breakthrough needed to bring Khalil home safely.