An urgent search is ongoing for 19-year-old Tom Dingle, who has been missing from Appley Bridge, Wigan, since the early hours of Saturday.
Tom was last seen shortly after midnight in the Stonemill Rise area. Further information suggests he may have been seen a short time later heading towards Appley Lane North, at the bottom end, near the bridge over the canal, but his whereabouts since then remain unknown.
Lancashire Police have described Tom as ‘vulnerable’ and say they are increasingly concerned for his welfare. A large-scale search operation is underway, involving specialist officers, drones, and air support, alongside teams searching on foot in and around the local area.
Tom is described as:
Around 5ft 11in tall
With short dark hair
Last seen wearing a black Vans hoodie, black jeans, and black Doc Martens
Believed to have been carrying a backpack
He is known to have links to both Appley Bridge and Lancaster.
Mountain rescue volunteers have also joined efforts due to the surrounding terrain and worsening weather conditions. The search has drawn widespread support from the local community, with residents sharing appeals and keeping watch in nearby areas.
Police are asking anyone who may have:
Seen Tom
Spotted someone matching his description
Captured CCTV, dashcam, or doorbell footage in the area during the early hours
to come forward as soon as possible.
If you believe you have seen Tom right now, you are urged to call 999 immediately.
For any other information, please contact Lancashire Police on 101, quoting log number 0120 of 13 December.
Tom’s family and friends continue to wait for news, and the community is urged to share appeals responsibly and keep him in their thoughts.
