A major hunt for a missing police cadet was stepped up today after the teenager was spotted with a mystery man more than a 100 miles away from home.
Detectives had said they were ‘very concerned’ over the disappearance of Alex Willoughby, 17, who disappeared from her home in Oxford almost two weeks ago.
Searches on the ground and by helicopter had failed to find any sign of the young volunteer but CCTV footage released today showed her with an unknown man in Canterbury, Kent, on Thursday.
Alex Willoughby was spotted on CCTV with an unknown man in Canterbury, Kent, on Thursday
The missing teenager was seen wearing a grey Adidas tee-shirt and sweatshirt, blue ripped jeans, a knee-length green Parka coat and black and white Adidas trainers
She was seen wearing a grey Adidas t-shirt and sweatshirt, blue ripped jeans, a knee-length green Parka coat and black and white Adidas trainers.
Described by a police colleague as ‘a bubbly, lively young person with a real sense of humour’, Alex was known to have friends in Kent although no-one there has said they have seen her.
Superintendent Joe Kidman, of Thames Valley Police, today said: ‘Today we are releasing CCTV images which capture Alex with a man in Canterbury, Kent, at about 5.30pm on Thursday 23 November.
‘As well as Canterbury, Alex also has connections to other areas in Kent, specifically Faversham, Whitstable, Sandwich, Margate and Sheerness.
Miss Willoughby is said to have links to Kent
‘I would urge residents to keep a look out for Alex and the man she is seen with in the CCTV. If you see them please contact police immediately.
A spokesman for Thames Valley Police had said that major searches around the city of Oxford had failed to find any trace of the teenager who was a regular attendee at Police Cadets in the city centre.
Police Community Support Officer Agnieszka Gett, who knows Alex well through the Police cadets, said on Saturday: ‘I want to say to Alex, if you are reading or hearing this message, please contact the police so we know that you are safe and well.
‘We are really concerned for your welfare and just want to make contact with you. I’m sure we can sort out any problems.’
Alex was described as a white girl, 5ft 7ins tall, of slim build with blonde, wavy hair and blue eyes.
The 17-year-old, who is from Cowley, was last seen on Verbena Way, Oxford, at about 9pm on Tuesday November 14.
Miss Willoughby was on Verbena Way, Oxford around 9pm on November 14 before disappearing
Investigating officer, Inspector Mark Brock said last week: ‘We are becoming increasingly concerned for Alex Willoughby’s welfare and therefore we are publishing an appeal and asking anyone with information to please make contact with police.
‘If anyone has any information about Alex’s whereabouts please call the 24-hour Thames Valley Police inquiry centre on 101 and quote reference number 43170339604.
‘If you do not want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.’