Detectives search Sandwell property in connection with disappearance of teen 23 years ago

Phillip Harris was just 15 when he went missing

Author: Dan DaviesPublished 1st Apr 2022

The disappearance of a Sandwell teen nearly 23 years ago has remained a mystery since he told his family he was going to spend the night at a friend’s house and never returned.

Phillip Harris was just 15 when he left his home in St Eleanors Close, West Bromwich on the morning of 28 July 1999 to visit a friend in Northfield. Later that day he phoned his foster parents to say he would be staying overnight with a friend. He hasn’t been seen since.

In spite of media appeals, both in Birmingham and Manchester, where he had family links, there have been no confirmed sightings of him.

Detectives reviewing the case are now searching a property in St Paul’s Road, Smethwick which was linked to Phillip at the time. The current residents are not connected to this enquiry and have been rehoused while the search is conducted.

Detective Inspector Jim Church, from West Midlands Police, said: “Sadly there has been no proof of life for Phillip in all these years and we need to explore all the information we have to see if we can find out what happened to him.

“We have been in touch with Phillip’s family and made them aware of our investigations.

“Even though it is almost 23 years ago, we are sure that someone holds the key to Phillip’s disappearance and we would urge anyone with information to contact us.”

Phillip’s family said: “We think about Phillip every day. We love him and miss him more than words can say. If anyone has any information about what has happened to Phillip or where he might be please let the police know. Even though he has been missing for many years we are still desperate to know where Phillip is so that we can have some closure.”

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