The agony of losing a loved one is unimaginable, especially when they vanish without a trace. In the United Kingdom, approximately 170,000 people are reported missing each year. While many cases are resolved quickly, some individuals disappear, leaving behind lingering questions and heartbroken families. Let’s explore ten lesser-known unsolved disappearances in England, where the fate of each person remains a haunting mystery.
1. Ruth Wilson
In November 1995, 16-year-old Ruth Wilson disappeared from Dorking, Surrey, under perplexing circumstances. Ruth came from a close-knit family, attended church, excelled in school, and had a few close friends. On the day of her disappearance, she took a cab to Box Hill and vanished. The cab driver mentioned to the police that she appeared to be waiting for someone in the pouring rain. Ruth was dealing with the revelation that her mother had died by suicide when she was just four years old.
Intriguingly, the day before she went missing, Ruth arranged for flowers to be delivered to her stepmother two days later, after her disappearance. The police have kept interview transcripts private, and Ruth’s father and stepmother have declined media requests for interviews.
2. Charlene Downes
Blackpool, known for its illuminations and family holidays, faced a dark turn in 2003 when 14-year-old Charlene Downes disappeared on November 1. CCTV footage showed Charlene in good spirits with her sister in Central Blackpool. The last sighting was near her home that night. Despite investigations, no body or trace of her has been found.
In 2007, two men were arrested, but the jury couldn’t reach a verdict. Prosecutors suggested Charlene was murdered and dismembered in a kebab shop, but her parents dispute this. A fresh appeal was issued in 2023, linking her disappearance to child sexual exploitation, with a £100,000 reward for information leading to her body or the conviction of those responsible.
3. Ames Glover
Five-month-old Ames Glover disappeared on February 5, 1990, in Southall, London. His father, Paul Glover, claimed he left Ames in his locked car while withdrawing cash and buying food. Upon returning 15 minutes later, Ames was gone.
Police found it difficult to validate Paul’s story, as there were no signs of a break-in, and no witnesses saw Ames in the car. Paul was arrested but released without charges, maintaining his innocence. Ames’s mother, Shanika Ondaatjie, believes her ex-husband is responsible and has made appeals for new information. It was suggested Ames may have been smuggled to Ghana, but no trace has been found. The police faced accusations of racial discrimination for not prioritizing Ames’s case.
4. April Fabb
In 1969, the village of Metton in Norfolk was shaken by the disappearance of 13-year-old April Fabb on April 8. April, described as a shy animal lover, was riding her bicycle to deliver a birthday gift to her brother-in-law. A driver saw April cycling at 2:06 p.m., but just nine minutes later, her bike was found in a field, suggesting an abduction.
Despite numerous investigations, no evidence has been found. April’s parents passed away without ever knowing what happened to her, keeping her teenage posters on the wall. Her sisters still live in the village and are always informed of any new developments. A memorial stands next to her church.
5. Sheila Fox
Six-year-old Sheila Fox, known as the “girl in the green mac,” disappeared on August 19, 1944, after leaving school in Bolton, Greater Manchester. In the 1940s, it was common for children to walk home alone, reflecting a different societal attitude. There were sightings of Sheila with an unknown man, with some reports suggesting they were walking together or on his bike.
One of Sheila’s friends said Sheila mentioned she was going “with this man.” Although police initially thought Sheila knew him, today, this behavior might be recognized as grooming. The case remains cold, with a brief revival in 2001 when a neighbor’s garden was searched, but nothing was found.
6. Lee Boxell
Fifteen-year-old Lee Boxell disappeared from Sutton, South London, on September 10, 1988. A football enthusiast, Lee met a friend to visit some shops and was never seen again. Police presume he is dead due to the lack of reliable sightings.
In 2014, three men were arrested but released without charge. An excavation at a local churchyard yielded no results. In 2017, Lee’s father, Peter, reached the finals of Britain’s Got Talent with the Missing People Choir, singing “I Miss You.” His parents, now in their late 70s, have kept Lee’s bedroom untouched and continue to appeal for information.
7. Alexander Sloley
Alex Sloley, 16, disappeared on August 2, 2008, in North London, shortly before his 17th birthday. Known as “Gogs,” Alex enjoyed football and West Indian food. He vanished after visiting a friend, and his cell phone was uncharacteristically turned off that day. His bank account remains untouched. The lack of leads has made this case cold.
Alex’s mother, Nerissa Tivy, believes the case was not prioritized due to their background. A 2023 report highlighted that police solve a lower percentage of missing incidents involving black children in the UK.
8. Mary Flanagan
On New Year’s Eve, December 31, 1959, 16-year-old Mary Flanagan disappeared in Newham, London. It remains one of Britain’s oldest missing person cases. Mary kissed her family goodbye and went to her workplace for a Hogmanay party but never returned.
She had been pretending to go to work for two weeks. Mary was dating a man named Tom, whom she planned to break up with. Police have been unable to trace Tom, leading to speculation about his involvement. Mary’s younger sister, Brenda, tirelessly searched for her and appealed to the police and public until her death in October 2023.
9. Carmel Fenech
Carmel Fenech, 16, was last seen in South London on May 21, 1998. Her mother reported her missing on June 27, as Carmel had a history of running away due to a crack cocaine habit. The family had moved from South London to Crawley to escape bad influences, but Carmel still frequented South London.
Carmel was last seen at Camberwell Magistrates’ Court with an unidentified man. Detectives noted that “she clearly knew him.” No trace of Carmel has ever been found, leading police to believe she was murdered. Crimestoppers offers a reward of up to £10,000 for information leading to an arrest or conviction.
10. Kevin Hicks
Kevin Hicks, 16, disappeared on March 2, 1986, after walking to a local shop for eggs for a cooking exam. He was seen walking home around 10 p.m., but no trace of him has been found since. Kevin’s parents died without knowing what happened to him. His sister, Alex, believes he is still alive and may be living abroad, possibly leaving flowers at their mother’s grave in 1994. Police suspect he was groomed and murdered.
These unsolved disappearances leave us with a chilling reminder of the uncertainties of life and the enduring pain for the families left behind. Each case, with its unique circumstances and lack of closure, highlights the complex challenges faced by law enforcement and the desperate hope that one day, answers will be found.
What are your thoughts on these mysterious disappearances? Share your theories and insights in the comments below.
