Missing Sussex teenager ‘could be walking 280 miles to Yorkshire to see girlfriend’ says mum

The mother of a missing Sussex teenager believes he could be trekking 280 miles to Yorkshire to see his girlfriend.
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Owen Harding left his house in Saltdean on Thursday evening (March 26), to watch the sunset in the Telscombe Tye area and has not been seen or in contact with anyone since, his mother, Stella Harding said.

In an emotional video appeal, Ms Harding told ITV News Tyne Tees on Wednesday (April 1): “There is now a possibility that Owen is headed up north walking from Saltdean to East Yorkshire.

“We are all extremely worried about Owen.

Owen Harding has not been seen since Thursday (March 26) Picture: Sussex PoliceOwen Harding has not been seen since Thursday (March 26) Picture: Sussex Police
Owen Harding has not been seen since Thursday (March 26) Picture: Sussex Police
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“It’s now six days since he left home. We’re all still searching – everyone has been so helpful, especially with the Covid-19 lockdown situation in place.

“Owen, if you are seeing this, we love you very much. We miss you. We want to know you’re safe.

“You are not in any trouble at all. Please contact us.”

She thanked the public for their ‘immense help’ in trying to find Owen and urged them to still keep a lookout.

Owen Harding. Picture: Sussex PoliceOwen Harding. Picture: Sussex Police
Owen Harding. Picture: Sussex Police

Owen is around 6ft tall, has short, brown, dark hair, and was wearing a dark top, grey tracksuit trousers and white trainers when he left his house on Thursday.

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Ms Harding added: “If you see Owen, please call the police. Thank you.”

The search for Owen has been publicly backed by Loose Women’s Nadia Sawalha, whose daughter is friends with the teenager.

In a post on Twitter, she said: “PLEASE PLEASE help FIND my daughters friend OWEN HARDING .. he is only SIXTEEN. His MOTHER is beside herself with worry. He is at HIGH RISK .You can only imagine how hard this is for his friends and family!”

TV and radio presenter Zoe Ball, who lives in Mid Sussex, also posted a picture of Owen on her Instagram, urging people who may have information on his whereabouts to get in touch with the police.

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Sussex Police said on Tuesday (March 31), that concern for Owen’s safety and welfare was continuing to grow.

The force confirmed a potential line of enquiry around his mobile phone had been discounted, however, links to the East Riding of Yorkshire remained under consideration.

A spokesman said: “We are aware of his connection to Yorkshire and suggestions that he may have set out to walk there to see his girlfriend. We have not discounted this, but there are no indications at all to support this or indeed that he has left Sussex.”

Investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Alasdair Henry commented: “Along with Owen’s family and friends, we are very keen to hear from anyone who can help us in our search for him. Were you driving in the Saltdean and Telscombe Cliffs area the evening of his disappearance and might you have captured dashcam footage of him? Did you see Owen in the Saltdean area after 6pm on Thursday?

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“We would like to thank the public for their support in our investigation and while we appreciate people would like to help with our searches, we are urging everyone to abide by Government guidance at all times.

“We are utilising all our available resources to search locally and will, of course, link up with colleagues across the country if there is anything to suggest that he has travelled out of Sussex.

“If you live in the Saltdean or Telscombe Cliffs area, please check sheds, gardens or other outbuildings in case Owen has sought shelter there.”

Police asked anyone who sees Owen or knows where he could be to report it online or call 101, quoting serial 1198 of 26/03.