Anniversary appeal for Thamesmead man Ian Bushell - still missing after 25 years (From News Shopper)

Anniversary appeal for Thamesmead man Ian Bushell - still missing after 25 years

1:56pm Wednesday 3rd October 2012 in News By Tim MacFarlan, Bexley and north Kent reporter

AN ANNIVERSARY appeal for Thamesmead man Ian Bushell has been issued nearly 25 years after he went missing.

Mr Bushell was only 21 when he disappeared in the winter of 1988 while living alone in a flat in Tilehurst Point, Tavy Bridge.

His father visited Ian's address only to find he was not there though all his possessions were still inside.

Police in fact believe Ian is now living in the Plaistow area, possibly using the name Adrian.

He is now 46 years old.

At the time he went  missing Bexley officers investigated extensively and launched a national media appeal, but Ian has never been found and his police missing person case file remains open.

Ian's father died shortly after his son's disappearance and Ian's mother has also since passed away.

His sister has never given up hope of finding her brother.

The case was featured on several news bulletins and programmes, as recalled by Shaw Taylor (pictured below, copyright Shaw Taylor), presenter of the long running five minute crime appeal bulletin Police 5.

He said: "This case originally aired in the late 80s. A recent break-through by Bexleyheath detectives show that Ian Bushell may still be alive.

"As we approach the 25th anniversary this mystery may finally be solved.

"I very much hope Ian himself will make contact, we would love to hear from you.

"I'd ask everybody to keep 'em peeled."

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Holmes, said: "Earlier this year enquiries led my officers to a witness who had re-located to Barbados but told us Ian was seen alive and well in 2007 in Green Street, Upton Park.

"This gave us the breakthrough we needed. As the case nears its 25th anniversary we are making a fresh appeal in the hope of tracing Ian and reuniting him with his sister."