Police are searching for Daniel, a Croydon missing boy who was last seen over a week ago.
Daniel, whose age has not been shared in the Metropolitan Police’s appeal, was last seen on October 6 at around 2pm. Eight days later, he has not been found.
Description
He is believed to be wearing a white T-shirt, black joggers and black Nike trainers. Daniel is also pictured with curly hair in the appeal shared by police.
Police appeal
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting 01/8155708/26.
Eight days of worry
For Daniel’s family, eight days without news is an eternity. Every day that passes without a sighting deepens the anguish — and raises the stakes for the search.
The Met’s decision to issue a public appeal suggests officers have exhausted initial lines of enquiry. When police go public with a missing-person case, it means they need the public’s eyes and ears.
It’s worth noting what we don’t know. The police have not shared Daniel’s age, which is unusual — it may be a deliberate decision to protect his privacy, or it may reflect the circumstances of the case. What matters is the description: white T-shirt, black joggers, black Nike trainers, curly hair.
What the public can do
If you were in or around Croydon on October 6, particularly in the early afternoon, think back. Did you see a boy matching Daniel’s description — white T-shirt, black joggers, black Nike trainers, curly hair?
Check any dashcam footage, doorbell cameras or CCTV if you live or work in the area. A fleeting glimpse captured on camera could be the lead that brings Daniel home.
Even if you’re not sure, it’s worth calling. Police would rather receive a report that turns out to be nothing than miss the one that matters.
Share the appeal. The more people who see Daniel’s description, the greater the chance someone recognises him. A single share on social media could reach the person who saw him.
Missing children: the bigger picture
Thousands of children are reported missing in London every year. The vast majority are found safe and well within 48 hours — but a small number remain missing for longer, and each one represents a family in crisis.
The reasons children go missing are complex. Some run away from home or care. Some are drawn into exploitation. Some are dealing with mental health difficulties. Understanding why is part of bringing them home safely.
The Met works with local authorities, charities like Missing People, and communities to find missing children as quickly as possible. Public appeals are a crucial part of that effort.
For families, the advice is to report a missing child immediately — don’t wait. The first hours are critical, and police take every report seriously regardless of how long someone has been gone.
Daniel has now been missing for eight days. That is a long time for a child to be without the safety of home. The public’s help could make all the difference.
How to help
If you have any information about Daniel’s whereabouts, call 101 and quote 01/8155708/26. You can also contact the charity Missing People for advice and support.
If you see someone matching Daniel’s description, do not approach if you feel unsafe — call 999 in an emergency, or 101 with the reference number.
London Streets has been covering the early-morning robbery in Croydon and the Highgate Road knife scare.
A community effort
Missing-person cases like Daniel’s rely heavily on the public. Police can only search so far — it’s the shopkeeper who remembers a face, the bus driver who recalls a passenger, the neighbour who noticed something unusual, who often provide the breakthrough.
Croydon is a large, busy borough. Daniel could be anywhere — still in the area, or further afield. That’s why the appeal is being shared widely, and why every share matters.
If Daniel is reading this: you are not in trouble. Please get in touch with someone you trust, or call the police. People are worried about you and want to know you’re safe.
