Andrew Gosden: Father of missing boy backs train app alert scheme

Andrew Gosden, from Doncaster, South Yorkshire disappeared in 2007 when he was 14 years old

The father of a boy who disappeared 16 years ago has backed a project to try to find missing people more quickly.

Kevin Gosden, whose son Andrew vanished in September 2007, supports the plan for urgent missing person appeals to appear on mobile phones via the Trainline app.

Mr Gosden, from Doncaster, said the scheme could have made a difference when Andrew disappeared.

Charity Missing People said the app could reach millions of UK rail users.

Andrew, then aged 14, vanished after emptying his bank account and buying a one-way ticket to London at Doncaster station.

His family and police believe he boarded a train at 09:35 BST, arriving at King's Cross at 11:20 BST.

The last known sighting of the teenager was on CCTV at the London station.

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Mr Gosden said if the app had existed in 2007 his son's image could have been displayed to thousands of people in the area he went missing.

"Anything that can help to raise awareness of Andrew, and the appeals for any missing person, is vital in keeping the search active and ensuring people are continuing to keep a look out for those who are missing," he said.

Two men arrested in December 2021 were eliminated from the police inquiry into Andrew's disappearance in September.

Images of a missing person will appear on people's phones within the Trainline app

Paul Joseph, head of helplines at Missing People, said: "When someone vulnerable has disappeared, they can often use the transport network as a safe place."

He said by joining with Trainline they hoped to raise awareness and potentially help find missing people.

"For the loved ones of those featured, knowing that action is being taken to find them, helps to keep hope alive," he said.

Mr Gosden said the appeals could help trigger someone's memory which might help locate a missing person.

"It's also important to know that there is help for anyone considering disappearing, including support that may help people take the step to return home, or think twice before leaving in the first place," he added.

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