The Metropolitan Police is offering a £20,000 reward for information that could lead to the discovery of Alex Sloley, a teenager who vanished from his home in Islington 18 years ago. The 16-year-old was last seen in August 2008, and investigators believe he was a victim of exploitation, coerced into criminality by local gangs at the time of his disappearance.
Police renew appeal with substantial reward
Detective Chief Inspector Sarb Kaur, who leads the investigation, said: "We are looking to speak with anyone who believes they were exploited by gangs in North London around 2008 and may have seen Alex or have information to contact us. You will not be in trouble, but you may hold key information which could help us piece the jigsaw together."
Kaur added: "A £20,000 reward is on offer to anyone who provides information which could lead us to Alex. Over time allegiances can change and we hope that the offer of this substantial reward could help someone with information to come forward."
Appeals and sightings over the years
At the time he went missing, Alex was approximately 5ft 5ins tall, of medium build, and had striking blue eyes. Police have made repeated appeals to the public, receiving multiple sightings and reports. A previous reward of £10,000 was offered, but it did not yield the information needed.
DCI Kaur noted: "Over the years following the appeals we have made, our officers have reviewed hundreds of reports from people who believe they’ve seen Alex in London. Unfortunately, this information is yet to provide investigating officers with the information needed to find him."
Investigators have also released an e-fit image showing how Alex may look now at the age of 34, alongside his image from when he disappeared.
Continued commitment and how to help
"Alongside this appeal, we are continuing to put Alex’s image out there, both at the time he went missing and how he may look now at the age of 34, in case anyone has seen him and can contact us," Kaur said. "We remain committed to this investigation which I believe can be solved. If you are sitting on information, please do the right thing and contact us."
Anyone with information can contact the investigation team directly via phone or text message on 07860 369 603. Alternatively, information can be provided via 101 or submitted online. Reports can also be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
