Shropshire Star

Russell Blent: Desperate plea over missing Shrewsbury man one year on

The family of a missing Shrewsbury man Russell Blent say they are desperate for news of his whereabouts on the first anniversary of his disappearance.

Published

Mr Blent, 36, was last seen on March 17, 2016, and there have been no confirmed sightings since.

In August detectives from West Mercia Police said they were treating the case as "suspicious".

Now, exactly a year after he was last seen, police have renewed their appeal for information regarding his disappearance.

His sister Lucy has said the family is finding the situation "unbearable".

Lucy said: "We just want him home. This situation is unbearable so if anyone knows anything, please get in touch and help bring him home to his family who love him very much. Russell being missing has left a big hole in all our hearts.

"His kids need their dad back, his parents a son and his sisters a brother."

Police taking part in a search for Russell Blent in Meole Brace
Police taking part in a search for Russell Blent in Meole Brace

Mr Blent was last seen in the Meole Brace area of Shrewsbury and was reported missing by his family to police on April 9.

Officers confirmed his disappearance was being treated as suspicious in August – and a year after he vanished detectives are continuing to appeal for information as to his whereabouts.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Jamieson said: "Russell has now not been seen for a whole year and we are keen to give his family the answers they deserve.

"The investigation is still as dynamic as it was in the early stages of our inquiries and I am urging the community to support us in finding Russell.

"He was born in the local area and has lived here his whole life. In the days leading up to his disappearance we know he travelled to Bridgnorth and was seen using public transport.

"We also know he was last seen in Oteley Road, near to the Meole Brace roundabout, at about 00.30am on March 17.

"If you have information in regards to Russell, either on the days leading up to him going missing or even since, I ask you to contact the police. You could hold key information which would help us to find Russell."

He was last seen wearing blue jogging bottoms, a grey jacket and blue and white trainers and has been described as white, about 6ft 1ins, of heavy build with short dark hair.

Anyone with any further information is urged to contact police using the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org