Missing Sussex teenager ‘could be walking 280 miles to Yorkshire to see girlfriend’ says mum

Owen Harding left his house in Saltdean on Thursday evening (March 26), to watch the sunset in the Telscombe Tye area and has not been seen or in contact with anyone since, his mother, Stella Harding said.

In an emotional video appeal, Ms Harding told ITV News Tyne Tees on Wednesday (April 1): “There is now a possibility that Owen is headed up north walking from Saltdean to East Yorkshire.

“We are all extremely worried about Owen.

“It’s now six days since he left home. We’re all still searching – everyone has been so helpful, especially with the Covid-19 lockdown situation in place.

“Owen, if you are seeing this, we love you very much. We miss you. We want to know you’re safe.

“You are not in any trouble at all. Please contact us.”

She thanked the public for their ‘immense help’ in trying to find Owen and urged them to still keep a lookout.

Owen is around 6ft tall, has short, brown, dark hair, and was wearing a dark top, grey tracksuit trousers and white trainers when he left his house on Thursday.

Ms Harding added: “If you see Owen, please call the police. Thank you.”

The search for Owen has been publicly backed by Loose Women’s Nadia Sawalha, whose daughter is friends with the teenager.

In a post on Twitter, she said: “PLEASE PLEASE help FIND my daughters friend OWEN HARDING .. he is only SIXTEEN. His MOTHER is beside herself with worry. He is at HIGH RISK .You can only imagine how hard this is for his friends and family!”

TV and radio presenter Zoe Ball, who lives in Mid Sussex, also posted a picture of Owen on her Instagram, urging people who may have information on his whereabouts to get in touch with the police.