£20,000 reward offered for information to locate missing man

Detectives investigating the disappearance of a 16-year-old boy 18 years ago are offering a £20,000 reward for information that leads to him being found.

Alex Sloley was reported missing from his home in Islington in August 2008. Since then the investigation to locate him has been extensive, with Met detectives continuing enquiries and regularly reviewing the case to identify further leads.

Detective Chief Inspector Sarb Kaur, who leads the investigation said:

“We are continuing our efforts to find Alex and support his family who have spent the past 18 years desperately wanting answers.

“We are aware that at the time he went missing, Alex was a victim of exploitation and was being coerced into criminality by gangs in the area. 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.

“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.”

The Met received a report on 8 August 2008 from Alex’s family to say they had not seen or heard from him.

An investigation was launched with officers reviewing CCTV from the area and gathering statements from Alex’s family and friends. At the time Alex went missing, he was around 5ft 5ins and of medium build with striking blue eyes. Repeated appeals for information were made to the public, with police receiving multiple sightings and reports.

DCI Kaur added:

“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.

“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.

“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 who has any 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.

Information can also be provided anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.