What are the details of Tom Dingle's disappearance?

Tom Dingle, 19, has been missing for six days. He was last seen on CCTV in Appley Bridge heading towards the Boathouse pub in the early hours of Saturday.

Why is Tom Dingle considered to be in a vulnerable state?

Tom's mother stated that he was in a vulnerable state of mind following a recent bereavement, which has added to the family's concern for his well-being.

What is Lancashire Police asking for in the search for Tom Dingle?

Lancashire Police are seeking information and any CCTV or dashcam footage from the Stonemill Rise and Appley Lane North area around 00:30 on Saturday.

Home / Crime and Justice / Mother's Plea: 'We're in Hell' Over Missing Son

Mother's Plea: 'We're in Hell' Over Missing Son

19 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Teenager Tom Dingle has been missing for six days.
His mother described the pain of not knowing his whereabouts as 'like we're in hell'.
Tom was last seen on CCTV heading towards the Boathouse pub in Appley Bridge.

Mother's Plea: 'We're in Hell' Over Missing Son

The mother of a missing teenager has shared her profound distress, describing the six days without her son, 19-year-old Tom Dingle, as being "in hell." Tom, a student at Lancaster University, was last captured on CCTV on Mill Lane in Appley Bridge in the early hours of Saturday, heading towards the Boathouse pub. His mother, Susan Dingle, revealed that Tom was in a "vulnerable state of mind" following a recent bereavement.

Speaking at an emotional press conference, Ms. Dingle pleaded for her son's safe return, assuring him that he is not in trouble. The family received a concerning message from Tom before he disappeared, and despite searching, he had gone in a different direction. They have since seen CCTV footage they believe shows him walking down Mill Lane, dressed in a black Vans hoodie, black jeans, and black Doc Martin shoes, carrying a backpack.