Thames Valley Police have launched an urgent appeal to find 16-year-old schoolgirl Scarlett, who vanished from Didcot on Friday afternoon, as officers express growing concerns for the teenager’s welfare.
The missing girl was last seen in the South Oxfordshire market town at approximately 3pm on Friday, 5 September, prompting an immediate police response. Inspector Matt Jones, who is leading the search operation, confirmed officers are treating the disappearance as a priority case given the teenager’s age and the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
Scarlett, who stands at approximately 5ft 1in tall with long dark hair, was wearing a dark blue tracksuit top and dark blue Nike leggings when she disappeared. Police have revealed the teenager has known connections to several areas across Oxfordshire, including Wallingford, Faringdon, Oxford and Headington, significantly expanding the search area.
Major Search Operation Underway
Thames Valley Police have mobilised significant resources in the search for Scarlett, with officers conducting door-to-door enquiries and reviewing CCTV footage across multiple locations. The force has activated its dedicated missing persons protocol, which includes immediate risk assessment and coordination with neighbouring police areas.
We’re concerned for Scarlett’s welfare, and I would ask anybody who knows of her whereabouts to please contact Thames Valley Police,” Inspector Jones stated in an urgent appeal. “Time is of the essence in missing person cases, particularly when they involve teenagers.”
The police have emphasised that anyone spotting Scarlett should call 999 immediately, quoting reference number 43250455409. Members of the public can also provide information through Thames Valley Police’s dedicated missing persons portal, which allows for anonymous submissions of potential sightings and information.
Community Response Mobilises
Local communities across South Oxfordshire have rallied to support the search effort, with residents in Didcot, Wallingford, Faringdon and Oxford sharing appeals on social media platforms. Community groups have organised informal search parties, though police are urging volunteers to coordinate with official search efforts to ensure all areas are covered systematically.
Didcot Town Council has made its facilities available to support the search operation, whilst local businesses have offered to display missing person posters. The Orchard Centre, a key location in Didcot’s town centre, has increased security patrols and is reviewing its CCTV systems to assist police.
Schools across the region have been alerted to Scarlett’s disappearance, with staff asked to remain vigilant and report any potential sightings immediately. Youth groups and sports clubs in the area have also been contacted as part of the wider search strategy.
Critical First 72 Hours
Missing persons experts stress that the first 72 hours are crucial in locating missing teenagers. According to national statistics from the UK Missing Persons Unit, approximately 79 per cent of missing children are found within 24 hours, with 90 per cent located within two days.
However, with Scarlett having been missing since Friday afternoon, the case is approaching a critical juncture. Thames Valley Police have confirmed they are following multiple lines of enquiry and are working with British Transport Police to check railway stations and bus routes connecting Didcot to Oxford, Wallingford, Faringdon and Headington.
The force is also liaising with the National Crime Agency’s Child Exploitation and Online Protection teams to explore any potential digital footprints that might indicate Scarlett’s whereabouts or state of mind before her disappearance.
Wider Context of Missing Teenagers
Scarlett’s disappearance comes against a backdrop of concerning statistics about missing young people in Britain. Over 170,000 people are reported missing every year in the UK, with someone reported missing every 90 seconds. Approximately two-thirds of these cases involve children and teenagers.
The charity Missing People reports that around 100,000 children and young people run away from home in the UK each year. Whilst the vast majority are found safe, every missing child case is treated as high priority due to the inherent vulnerabilities and risks involved.
Young people go missing for various reasons, including family conflicts, school pressures, mental health struggles, or exploitation concerns. Police stress that no judgement is made about why someone has gone missing; the priority is always ensuring their safe return.
Police Resources and Protocols
Thames Valley Police have implemented their full missing person protocol for Scarlett’s case. This includes risk assessment procedures, intelligence gathering, and coordination with partner agencies including social services and health authorities.
The force’s dedicated missing persons team works alongside neighbourhood policing units to conduct searches and enquiries. In cases involving teenagers, police also engage with youth outreach workers and education welfare officers who may have additional insights or contacts.
Inspector Jones confirmed that specialist resources have been deployed, including police search advisors who coordinate systematic area searches based on behavioural analysis and local knowledge. The force’s digital investigation team is also examining social media and communication platforms for any recent activity.
Public Asked to Check Properties
Police are urging residents in Didcot and surrounding areas to check their gardens, sheds, outbuildings and any other locations where a teenager might seek shelter. Business owners are asked to review their premises, particularly any unused areas or storage facilities.
Transport operators across Oxfordshire have been briefed to remain vigilant, with Scarlett’s description circulated to bus drivers, train staff and taxi companies. The proximity of Didcot Parkway railway station, which provides direct services to Oxford, Reading and London, has prompted checks with British Transport Police at major transport hubs.
Local parks and recreational areas are being searched systematically, with particular attention paid to riverside paths along the Thames, which are popular with young people in the area. Police dogs and specialist search teams have been deployed to cover woodland areas and open spaces around Didcot.
Previous Missing Person Cases
Didcot and the surrounding area have seen several missing person cases in recent months, though most have been resolved successfully. The town’s position at the junction of major transport routes and its proximity to larger urban centres like Oxford creates particular challenges for search operations.
Thames Valley Police maintains one of the most comprehensive missing persons protocols in the country, with dedicated resources and established partnerships with national agencies. The force’s approach emphasises rapid response, community engagement and multi-agency coordination.
Statistics show that whilst Didcot has experienced various crime challenges, including anti-social behaviour and drug-related offences, missing person cases typically receive immediate priority status and significant resource allocation.
How the Public Can Help
Inspector Jones has outlined specific ways the public can assist in locating Scarlett. Anyone who may have seen her on Friday afternoon or since is urged to contact police immediately, even if they are unsure about the sighting. No information is considered too insignificant.
Drivers who were in the Didcot area on Friday afternoon are asked to check dashcam footage for any potential sightings. Similarly, residents and businesses with CCTV systems are requested to review recordings from Friday onwards.
The police stress that if anyone sees Scarlett, they should not approach her if she appears distressed but should instead call 999 immediately, keeping sight of her if safely possible until officers arrive. The reference number 43250455409 should be quoted in all communications.
Social media users are encouraged to share official police appeals but are warned against speculation or sharing unverified information that could hamper the investigation. Thames Valley Police’s official channels provide regular updates on the search.
Support for Families
The disappearance of a child is devastating for families, and support services have been made available. Missing People charity operates a 24-hour helpline (116 000) offering support to families of missing persons and can also receive information about sightings.
The charity emphasises that going missing is not a crime, and their priority is ensuring the person’s safety. They work closely with police forces across the UK and can act as an intermediary if a missing person wants to make contact but isn’t ready to return home.
Local support groups in Oxfordshire have also offered assistance to Scarlett’s family and friends during this difficult time. Schools in the area have counselling services available for students affected by their classmate’s disappearance.
Continuing Search Efforts
As the search for Scarlett continues, Thames Valley Police maintain their commitment to locating the missing teenager. Additional resources may be deployed as the investigation develops, with the possibility of expanding search parameters to neighbouring counties if required.
Inspector Jones concluded: “We will continue our efforts to find Scarlett and ensure her safe return. The support from the community has been overwhelming, and we urge anyone with any information, no matter how small it may seem, to come forward.”
The case remains active, with Thames Valley Police providing regular updates through their official channels and local media. The force reiterates that anyone with information should contact them immediately on 999 if it’s an emergency sighting, 101 for non-urgent information, or through their dedicated missing persons portal online.
Follow for more updates on Britannia Daily
