Last seen in west Berkshire - what happened to Stephen?
Police renew appeal for missing man
Thames Valley Police is renewing its appeal for the public’s help to find a man who went missing in west Berkshire a year ago.
It has now been a year since Stephen, who is now aged 54, was last seen.
Police say they know that Stephen stopped at the East Isley Shell at approximately 8.15pm on 31 March, where he purchased a five-litre fuel can (An example of the can is pictured below).
He then travelled by car, a blue Mazda 3, which was then abandoned by a field on the Ridgeway near Southfields at Aldworth in West Berkshire; it is thought to have been there since 31 March.
A comprehensive search of Stephen’s car and the area has been conducted but a fuel can was not located.
Stephen - who is from Oxford - also has links to Littlehampton, West Sussex.
Concerned
Lead investigating officer, Detective Inspector Elizabeth Batchelor, said: “Ever since Stephen was reported missing in April last year, we have been growing increasingly concerned for his welfare.
“Our officers have searched the Ridgeway, where his car was abandoned with support from Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue and have been continuing to make enquiries in an effort to trace him.
“We have been working hard to find Stephen since he was reported missing and we are still appealing for the public’s help to locate him so if you see Stephen, please call 999, quoting reference number 43250192691.
“We are also appealing to anyone who may have picked up a green five-litre fuel can, like the one pictured, on or around the time that he went missing, as we believe that this person(s) may have information that could assist our search. The can may have been filled with unleaded petrol.
“We are also asking anyone who may have seen or spoken to Stephen on Thursday 27 March 2025 to please get in touch.
“Anyone with information on Stephen’s whereabouts, no matter how insignificant or small it may seem, please make a report via our website.
“Stephen, if you see this appeal, please know that you are not in any trouble, but we are concerned for you. So, please contact us and let us know where you are.”