Which number should I use?
- 999: if someone is in immediate danger, or if a missing young child or vulnerable person may be at risk of harm.
- 101: if they are missing and you are worried, but there is no immediate danger. You can also use your police force's online missing-person reporting service where available.
You do not need to search for 24 hours before contacting the police. If you are unsure how serious the risk is, tell the call handler what you know and what worries you.
What should I tell the police?
Tell them when and where the person was last seen, what makes this unusual, any worrying messages, physical description, and places they might go. Mention mental-health needs, essential medication or other vulnerabilities if you know about them. A recent photo can help, but do not put off reporting because you lack information.
What can I do while help is being arranged?
If it is safe and does not delay reporting, check recent messages and contact people they may have visited. Note anything you have already checked. Do not put yourself at risk trying to get inside a building or search somewhere unsafe.
If the person gets in touch after being reported missing, let the police know promptly. An adult who is found safe may choose not to have their location shared with you.
Reporting guidance in each UK nation
- England and Wales: Police.uk
- Scotland: Police Scotland
- Northern Ireland: Police Service of Northern Ireland
If they are not missing but have stopped replying, see when messages go unanswered.
Sources and scope
Reporting information checked on 9 October 2026: Police.uk (England and Wales), Police Scotland and PSNI. This page offers a route to police, not a way of assessing risk on their behalf.
Last full source check: 9 October 2026