THE distraught mum of a missing teenager has said the last seven days have been “hell”.
Tom Dingle, 19, from Appley Bridge, Lancashire, was last seen in the early hours of last Saturday morning.
The Lancaster University student’s last moves were captured on CCTV on Mill Lane, heading towards the Boathouse pub.
His mum, Susan, has told police that he was “in a vulnerable state of mind”, but had bright hopes for his future.
During a press conference, she said: “We just want him home as soon as possible.
“We’ve even put a note on the front door so he knows he can just walk in. We’re just here to love and protect him, that’s all.
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“Tom is in a vulnerable state of mind following a traumatic event. He is grieving very much.
“My husband Peter and I, and Tom’s older brother, are going out of our minds with worry that something may have happened to him.
“We just want our baby back, that’s all.”
Tom is 5’10, slim, with short black hair and was last seen wearing a black Vans hoodie, black jeans, black Doc Marten shoes and had a rucksack.
Ms Dingle added: “We just want him home where it’s safe. It’s cold and wet out at night. We don’t know if he’s seeking shelter anywhere.
“He needs to know that he’s not in any trouble because of the distress and worry. He needs to know that we are not in any way upset with him.
“We just want him home. We just love him so much and miss him desperately. So many people miss him as well, especially his family.”
Lancashire Police has said their enquiries to find Tom are still “very much ongoing.”
A spokesperson said: “If you have seen Tom or have any information that could help us find him, please feel free to approach our officers as they carry out their duties.
“We are still asking for footage covering the Stonemill Rise and Appley Lane North area from 12:30am on Saturday.
“Whether this is CCTV, mobile phone, doorbell or dashcam footage, it could really help us with our search.
“Tom has links to Appley Bridge, Lancaster and Wigan.
“If you see Tom, please call 999 as soon as you can.
“If you have information or footage that could help us find Tom, please call 101 quoting log 0120 of 13th December.”
Alternatively, you can report a sighting or any information here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/0401020125L13-PO1
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