Euro MP leads European action on Missing Children...

LABOUR'S Chair of the Consumer Protection Committee, Arlene McCarthy MEP has welcomed an announcement by the European Commission that it is to provide €1 million funding to develop missing children alert system across Europe.

Arlene, whose proposal to force member states to provide a 116000 Missing Child Hotline across all EU countries is set to get the full support of the European Parliament in Strasbourg next week, said:- “With 7,500 children going missing in the UK and Belgium alone last year, action at a European level on missing children is vital. This funding will help support EU-wide measures to improve cooperation on missing children and I hope that our European missing child systems will be modelled on the amber alert system in the US, which has helped recover over 400 missing children.”

On her proposals for a 116000 Missing Child Hotline Arlene added:- “Nearly 2 years after the introduction as a voluntary Europe-wide number only seven member states have established the 116000 hotline service. The voluntary approach is not working and that is why I proposed incorporating the 116000 number into law, establishing a right across all 27 EU Member States for citizens to access the missing child hotline. I am delighted the European Parliament is set to back my proposal for a 116000 missing child hotline. Statistics on missing children across Europe show that this is an area where Europe can and must act to help identify, track down and recover missing children. The first 24 hours are crucial to safely recovering missing children. Ensuring that we have a common helpline number in all Member States will help speed up the vital response by national authorities wherever a child goes missing as well as in neighbouring countries.”

MISSING FROM HOME - WILLIAM JOPSON

MERSEYSIDE Police are becoming increasingly concerned for the welfare of 52 year old William Jopson who has been missing from home in Castle Walk in Southport since February 2009. William is described as white, 5ft 10ins tall, of slim build with short black hair, brown eyes and a moustache. He was last seen wearing a black leather jacket, blue jeans and black shoes.  He has not been in contact with his family since February although he has been sighted recently in Southport town centre and has been known to stay in hostels in Bootle. 

If anyone has any information regarding William they should contact Merseyside Police on:- 0151 777 4100 or Crimestoppers on:- 0800 555 111.

14 Year Old Missing Form Home - Megan Rachael Darroch

MERSEYSIDE Police are growing increasingly concerned for the welfare of 14 year old Megan Rachael Darroch who is missing from home.   Megan was last seen leaving her home in Anfield on Wednesday, 29 April 2009.  She is described as white, 4ft 11in tall, of medium build with long straight light brown hair and has a Glasgow accent.  Megan was last seen wearing a dark coat, brown T-shirt, cambat trousers and wedge shoes.  As Megan is originally from Glasgow it is believed she may have returned to the city.  Anyone who has seen Megan or who knows of her whereabouts is asked to call police on 0151 777 4351 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Southport Access For Everyone Forum

THE next meeting of the Southport Access For Everyone forum will be held at the Community Room of the Southport Fire Station  at the corner of Manchester Road and Lord Street, on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 7.00 pm. People who experience access  problems to the town's facilities because of a disability are welcome to attend and discuss their problems. The premises  are fully accessible for wheelchair users. Enquiries 01704 567046.

WANTED - OLABANJO KABIR SULAIMAN

MERSEYSIDE Police are very anxious to trace a 26 year old man in connection with an ongoing investigation into an alleged rape in 2008.  He is described as a black Nigerian male, about 5ft 8 ins tall with a medium to stocky build. He has short cropped black hair and brown eyes.  He was known to frequent the Kensington, Holt Road and Edge Lane areas of Liverpool.  Detectives are urging Olabanjo or anyone who knows of his whereabouts to contact police on 0151 777 4567 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.