Merseyside Police have issued an urgent appeal for public assistance in locating 17-year-old Kyle Tilston, who has been reported missing from his home in Seacombe. The teenager was last seen on Friday afternoon, and concerns for his welfare are growing.
Kyle was last spotted on Brighton Street at approximately 3:30 PM. An extensive search is now underway, with police enquiries reaching across Merseyside and into Greater Manchester, areas he is known to frequent.
Key Takeaways
- Missing Person: Kyle Tilston, age 17, from Seacombe.
- Last Seen: Friday at 3:30 PM on Brighton Street, Seacombe.
- Description: 6ft 1in tall, slim build, with short dark brown curly hair.
- Distinctive Items: He was wearing a silver chain with an 'F' symbol.
- How to Help: Report any sightings or information to Merseyside Police by calling 101 or using their online portal.
Details of Kyle's Appearance and Last Known Location
Authorities are urging the public to be vigilant and report any potential sightings of Kyle Tilston. He is described as a tall and slim teenager, standing at 6ft 1in. He has short, dark brown curly hair.
When he was last seen, Kyle was wearing a distinctive outfit consisting entirely of black clothing. This included a black coat, a black cap, black trousers, and black trainers. A key identifying feature is a silver chain he wears around his neck, which has a pendant in the shape of the letter 'F'.
The Critical Timeline
The last confirmed sighting of Kyle was at 3:30 PM on Friday. The location, Brighton Street in Seacombe, is the focus point for the initial phase of the police investigation. Officers are working to establish his movements after this time and are appealing for anyone who may have been in the area to come forward with information.
The Importance of Public Information
In missing person cases, the first 24 to 48 hours are often critical. Information from the public, including dashcam footage, CCTV, or personal sightings, can provide vital clues to an individual's direction of travel and state of mind. Even seemingly minor details can help investigators piece together a timeline.
Scope of the Search Extends Across the North West
The police search for Kyle is not limited to his home area of Wirral. He is known to have connections and frequently visits several other locations across the region, making the search operation more complex.
These areas include:
- Wirral
- Bootle
- Huyton
- Speke
- Manchester
Merseyside Police are coordinating with neighbouring forces, including Greater Manchester Police, to ensure all known locations are covered. This multi-agency approach is standard procedure when a missing person has links to different policing areas.
A Coordinated Effort
When a person is known to frequent multiple areas, police forces share information and intelligence. This includes circulating the missing person's description and photograph to officers on patrol in those specific towns and cities, as well as transport hubs like train and bus stations.
How You Can Help Find Kyle
Merseyside Police have stressed that public assistance is crucial to their investigation. They are asking anyone who believes they have seen Kyle since Friday afternoon or has any information about his current whereabouts to get in touch immediately.
"Extensive enquiries are ongoing to find him. We are asking for the public's help to share our appeal and report any sightings so we can bring Kyle home safely."
There are several ways to provide information to the police:
- Online Reporting: Sightings can be reported directly through the Merseyside Police website on their 'Report a Missing Person' page.
- Social Media: Information can be sent via a direct message to the @MerPolCC Twitter account.
- By Phone: You can speak to an operator by calling the non-emergency number 101.
Police have advised the public not to approach Kyle directly but to report any sightings to them as soon as possible, noting his location, the time, and what he was wearing.
Understanding the Response to a Missing Teenager
When a teenager is reported missing, police forces activate a specific set of protocols. The case is assessed based on risk, and given Kyle's age, the response is treated with a high degree of urgency.
Investigators typically focus on speaking with family and friends to understand the teenager's state of mind and potential plans. They also analyse digital footprints, such as social media activity and phone records, where legally appropriate, to identify clues.
Charities such as Missing People UK provide support to the families of missing individuals and work alongside police to raise awareness. According to the charity, thousands of children and young people are reported missing every year in the UK, and public appeals are one of the most effective tools for ensuring their safe return.
The community's role in sharing official appeals on social media can significantly widen the search area and increase the chances of a positive outcome. However, it is vital that only information from official police sources is shared to avoid the spread of misinformation.