Crime & Safety
Police update on Oxford man who went missing one year ago
It has now been a year since Stephen, whose surname was never revealed by Thames Valley Police, was last seen.
The 54-year-old was reported missing on Sunday, April 20, last year, having not been heard from since March 30, 2025.
A statement issued by Thames Valley Police on Monday morning (March 30) stated that Stephen stopped at the East Isley Shell garage at approximately 8.15pm on March 31 last year, where he purchased a five-litre fuel can.
READ MORE: Police ‘increasingly concerned’ in search for missing schoolgirl
He then travelled by car, a blue Mazda 3, which was then abandoned by a field on the Ridgeway near Southfields, Aldworth, West Berkshire.
It is thought to have been there since March 31, 2025.
A comprehensive search of Stephen’s car and the area has been conducted, but a fuel can was not located.
Stephen is described by police as 5ft 11ins tall, of slim build, and may be wearing blue jeans, an open-necked top, a striped cardigan, walking boots and glasses. He is known to carry a backpack with him.
Stephen also has links to Littlehampton, West Sussex.
Thames Valley Police has now renewed its appeal for the public’s help to find missing man Stephen, releasing a fresh statement today (Monday, March 30).
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Lead investigating officer, Detective Inspector Elizabeth Batchelor, said: “Ever since Stephen was reported missing in April last year, we have been growing increasingly concerned for his welfare.
“Our officers have searched the Ridgeway, where his car was abandoned, with support from Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue and have been continuing to make enquiries in an effort to trace him.
“We have been working hard to find Stephen since he was reported missing, and we are still appealing for the public’s help to locate him.
“So if you see Stephen, please call 999, quoting the reference number 43250192691.
READ MORE: Police catch ‘drunk driver overtaking on solid white line’
“We are also appealing to anyone who may have picked up a green five-litre fuel can, like the one pictured, on or around the time that he went missing, as we believe that this person(s) may have information that could assist our search. The can may have been filled with unleaded petrol.
“We are also asking anyone who may have seen or spoken to Stephen on Thursday, March 27, 2025, to please get in touch.
“Anyone with information on Stephen’s whereabouts, no matter how insignificant or small it may seem, please make a report via our website.
“Stephen, if you see this appeal, please know that you are not in any trouble, but we are concerned for you. So, please contact us and let us know where you are.”
Police in Abingdon are appealing for information after reports of a ‘suspicious male’ knocking on doors and asking for toilet roll
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Jacqui Gitau, who is also the charity’s lead for Oxfordshire, has been made an MBE for her services to migrant families in the county.
African Families in the UK is a Community Interest Company that was formed in 2015 to support African diaspora families in the UK to get the best outcomes for their children through training and information on education, health and social care.
Through targeted initiatives, the charity aims to bridge the gap on various fronts, including food security, digital divide and other inequalities prevalent in health and education.
The charity also offers parent training and seminars to help achieve its goals as well as hosting activities and events to promote positive cultural practices.
“Oh my goodness, I don’t think I’ve got my head around it yet,” a jubilant Ms Gitau said.
She holds a first degree in community family development from Oxford Brookes and a masters degree in childhood studies.
With co-founder Rachel Walton, the duo started out as volunteers meeting in a library in Blackbird Leys, where women discussed the differences in parenting between the UK and their countries of origin.
She arrived in the UK from Kenya with a 17 month old baby and no support. Her husband had to work and she had no family around to help.
Dr Martin Reeves, who leads Oxfordshire County Council, has been awarded an OBE for services to local government.
Dr Reeves said: “I’m incredibly honoured to receive this award.
“Local government is ultimately about people and unique places and, over the past 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside dedicated and passionate colleagues and councillors who make a real, positive difference in their communities every day.
“The best of local government is when we bring people together across a place, understand what really matters locally, and help create the conditions for positive change.
“This award genuinely reflects that collective effort.”
Dr Reeves has served as chief executive of Oxfordshire County Council since March 2023.
He previously spent more than 14 years in the same role at Coventry City Council, where he led the most significant transformation of the city since the post-war era.
The honour recognises his long-standing leadership in public service reform, innovation, and place-based change, including his role in launching Oxfordshire as the first county-wide Marmot place to tackle health inequalities.
Tim Bearder, leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “This honour is thoroughly deserved.
“Martin has made a real and lasting difference in Oxfordshire and across local government more widely.
“He combines insight, integrity, and ambition with a genuine commitment to public service and improving the lives of the people we serve.”
The King’s Birthday Honours celebrate individuals who have made a significant impact in their field or community.
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