The family of a missing Southport man have issued a desperate appeal as police grow increasingly concerned for his welfare. Stephen Molloy, 60, was reported missing at around 9.50pm on Thursday, June 4, and was last seen in the Town Lane Kew area of Southport.
Ongoing Searches
Merseyside Police said extensive enquiries and searches are ongoing to find him, and officers are now urging the public to help trace his movements in the days since he disappeared. Stephen's family say they are "extremely distressed and concerned" for his safety, adding that he is a vulnerable adult with learning difficulties and may also be suffering from dementia.
Family's Statement
In a statement, they said Stephen has very limited vocabulary and would struggle to ask for help if approached. They added: "He will most certainly be feeling very disorientated and overwhelmed. Despite the extensive efforts of Merseyside Police, he remains missing. Stephen has very limited vocabulary and would find it very difficult to ask anyone for help. It will only be through a keen-eyed member of the public informing the police that they may have seen Stephen, that he will be found. Please, please report any possible sightings to Merseyside Police."
Description and Possible Movements
Police say Stephen is believed to have been last seen wearing a black jumper and blue jeans, and was carrying a bright yellow bag, although officers do not believe he currently has the bag with him. He is described as around 6ft tall, of slim build, with dark brown hair.
Detectives say it is possible Stephen may have travelled beyond Southport, with links to Crosby and wider parts of Sefton. Officers also believe he may have travelled on foot or by public transport.
Police Appeal
Detective Chief Inspector Dave Jones said Stephen's family are becoming increasingly worried and are urging him to make contact. He said: "Stephen's family are becoming increasingly concerned about his welfare and want him to get in touch to let them know he is safe. We have carried out significant enquiries and searches to locate Stephen or establish his whereabouts. He has links to Crosby, so it’s possible he may have travelled to this area of Sefton. We don’t believe he has any money, so if you have offered Stephen a lift or have helped him in any way then please let us know. We would also ask people to check their dashcams to see if Stephen is captured on their footage since he went missing on Thursday evening.
"Stephen is vulnerable and struggles to communicate. It’s possible that he’s taken shelter because he feels safe in dark places. I'd therefore ask anyone who has an outhouse or any form of shelter in a front or rear garden that could be accessible to please check. If you live on or near farmland it could also be possible that he’s sought shelter within your grounds. We will act on any information provided so please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you see him or you think you may have any information that could assist our ongoing enquiries."
Police are urging anyone who sees Stephen to call 999 immediately.
