Police helicopter and drone join search for missing Appley Bridge teenager Tom Dingle
A major police search operation has been launched as fears grow for the safety of a vulnerable Wigan teenager.
Officers say they are “really concerned” for 19-year-old Tom Dingle’s welfare and already today the Lancashire Police helicopter has been scrambled to scan the Appley Bridge area and, before dawn a drone with a high-powered light was seen also scoping parts of the village.
A Facebook post from Ormskirk and Rural West Lancs Police states: “The man pictured is 19-year-old Tom Dingle, he is missing from home, and we are really concerned about him.
“Tom was last seen on Stonemill Rise in Appley Bridge at around 12.30am this morning (December 13)
"Our enquiries so far have led us to understand that he may have made his way to the Appley Lane North area at around 12.40am.
"Tom is 5ft 11ins with short black hair. He was last seen wearing a black Vans hoodie, black jeans and black Doc Martin shoes.
"He has links to Appley Bridge and Lancaster.
"Enquiries to find Tom are ongoing and you may see our officers in the Appley Bridge area as we conduct those enquiries, which is standard when looking for a missing person.
"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.
"If you see Tom, please call 999 as soon as you can.”
If you have information or CCTV footage that could help us find Tom, please call 101 quoting log 0120 of December 13.”
Family friend Donna Chambers said that Tom’s parents were “absolutely distraught.”