Disturbing new witness testimony has cast a dark shadow over the disappearance of British tourist Emmanuel Popo in New York, painting a picture of a frantic man in his final known moments.
The 21-year-old from Welling, Kent, was last seen on CCTV in the early hours of Sunday, 21st July, sprinting barefoot and shirtless through Manhattan's Lower East Side. His family, now living a nightmare an ocean away, have released these harrowing details in a desperate bid to jog memories and find their son.
A Frantic Flight
Chilling accounts from witnesses describe a scene of sheer panic. According to his family, one person reported seeing Emmanuel "running for his life" near the Williamsburg Bridge, a location miles from his intended route home. Another witness recounted the young man desperately attempting to open car doors, a clear sign of someone in acute distress and seeking help.
His final digital footprint was a Snapchat sent to a friend at 3:45 AM from Rivington Street, mere moments before he vanished into the urban maze.
A Family's Agonising Wait
For his parents, Christiana and Peter, the wait for news is torturous. They have flown to New York to lead the search, coordinating with the NYPD and scouring the city themselves.
"We are broken," Christiana told reporters. "My son is not someone who just disappears. Something is terribly wrong. We are begging anyone who saw him, anyone who knows anything, to please come forward."
They revealed Emmanuel had been out with friends at a pub in Queens but left alone to return to his uncle's flat in the Bronx. He never arrived.
The Search Intensifies
The NYPD has confirmed its Missing Persons Unit is actively investigating, reviewing hours of CCTV footage and following up on leads. The case is particularly perplexing due to the lack of any obvious reason for his sudden, panicked behaviour.
Emmanuel is described as 5ft 8in tall, with a slim build, black hair, and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing black trousers and was carrying a black shoulder bag.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the NYPD or the family's dedicated tip line immediately.
