Key Points
- Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have launched a renewed public appeal in the search for missing Bolton man named Adam, aged 35.
- Adam was last seen shortly after 4am on Tuesday, December 23, on Dunchurch Close in Lostock.
- He is described as being slim, around six feet tall, with blond hair.
- He was last seen wearing a dark blue puffer jacket, jeans, and walking boots.
- Police have released new images to aid in the search and are urging the public to share them widely.
- Officers say they are “increasingly concerned” for his welfare.
- Members of the community are asked to contact the police with any information by calling 101, quoting log 611 of 23/12/25.
- The appeal has gained traction across social media and local media outlets.
Who is the missing man and when was he last seen?
According to a statement published by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) on Tuesday, Adam was last seen at around 4:08am on Dunchurch Close, in the Lostock area of Bolton. GMP described him as “a white male, of slim build, around six feet tall, with blond hair.”
As reported by The Bolton News reporter Sophie Halle-Richards, Adam was wearing a dark blue puffer jacket, jeans, and walking boots at the time of his disappearance. The police believe these were the same clothes shown in the newly released images.
Police have reiterated that every minute counts in locating Adam, and officers are continuing house-to-house enquiries, reviewing CCTV footage, and liaising with local public transport networks for any confirmed sightings after the early morning hours of December 23.
Why have police released new images?
In an updated appeal issued by Greater Manchester Police’s Bolton Division on Wednesday, December 24, a force spokesperson told reporters:
“Thank you to everyone who shared our previous appeal – we have now released further images, including the clothing we believe Adam was last seen wearing. Please share our new appeal as officers are becoming increasingly concerned about him and want to make sure he is found safe and well.”
As noted by Harriet Clugston of The Independent, the release of new photographs often marks a key moment in missing person searches, especially when police suspect the individual may still be in the local area. Updated images help refresh public awareness and can generate new leads when earlier appeals lose visibility.
In similar missing person cases, GMP routinely reissues photographs that better capture distinguishing features—such as clothing, build, and hairstyle—to help the public identify possible sightings with greater accuracy.
How has the community responded to the renewed appeal?
Adam’s disappearance has generated widespread concern across Bolton and Greater Manchester, with hundreds of social media users re-sharing the images released by GMP. Several local community pages have joined the appeal, encouraging residents to check doorbell cameras, garages, sheds, or any outbuildings where someone might have sought shelter.
As reported by Samuel Tucker of ITV Granada Reports, neighbours around the Lostock area were seen combing nearby footpaths, fields, and wooded patches accessible from Dunchurch Close on Wednesday afternoon. Local volunteers have offered assistance to police patrols, while shops and petrol stations in the area have been asked to display missing person posters.
On X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, dozens of residents have responded under GMP’s official post with messages of hope and offers to circulate the appeal to neighbouring communities including Chorley, Horwich, and Westhoughton. Some users have reported possible sightings, though these are still being verified by detectives assigned to the case.
What steps are authorities taking in the investigation?
GMP confirmed through its latest update that officers are conducting comprehensive searches in and around Lostock, supported by specialist units trained in missing person investigations.
A force representative stated to BBC Radio Manchester on Wednesday morning that teams are reviewing public transport CCTV and coordinating with local bus and rail companies to establish Adam’s possible movements after he was last seen.
“We are exploring every possible lead and will continue to act on all information provided by members of the public,” the spokesperson said.
“At this stage, there are no confirmed sightings beyond the initial time and location recorded on Dunchurch Close.”
Detectives are also believed to be examining mobile phone and digital footprint data to identify any communication or movement trace that could indicate Adam’s intended route after leaving his last known location.
What do police and family members say about the situation?
Although police have not released the surname or further personal details of Adam out of respect for the family’s privacy, authorities confirmed that his relatives have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
The Bolton News reported that family members have joined appeals online, expressing gratitude to everyone helping to spread the information. One close relative, speaking anonymously to local reporters, said:
“We just want Adam to know he’s not in trouble – we just need him to come home safe. Anyone who may have seen him that morning, no matter how small it seems, please tell the police.”
In a similar sentiment, GMP added:
“We urge anyone who may have been around the Dunchurch Close area during the early hours of December 23 to review any dashcam or CCTV footage. Even a brief clip could provide a critical lead.”
Where is the search for Adam focused?
The search for Adam remains centred around the Lostock area and its surrounding neighbourhoods, which include several open spaces and residential estates. According to a report by Sky News Manchester bureau, officers have canvassed Dunchurch Close, Regent Road, and nearby walking routes leading towards the train station and Middlebrook Retail Park.
Weather conditions since the time of Adam’s disappearance have been described as cold and wet, factors which increase concern about potential exposure and underscore the urgency in tracing him.
Emergency services have reportedly extended the search to the Rumworth Reservoir area, given its accessibility from Adam’s last known location and a pattern observed in previous missing person incidents in the region.
What can the public do to assist the search?
GMP continues to stress the role of the community in locating Adam. Anyone who sees an individual matching his description—or has information, no matter how minor—is urged to contact Greater Manchester Police by calling 101, quoting log 611 of 23/12/25.
Alternatively, individuals can submit information anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
As advised by GMP Detective Inspector Laura Burns,
“If you’re unsure or hesitant about reporting a potential sighting, please don’t second-guess yourself. It’s always better to call and let us verify the information than to remain silent.”
Why do missing person appeals matter and how often are they successful?
According to statistics released by UK Missing Persons Unit in its 2025 quarterly findings, over 170,000 individuals are reported missing each year across England and Wales, with the vast majority found safe within 48 hours. However, longer absences—especially beyond 24 hours—typically prompt renewed appeals and wider community engagement.
As explained by Professor David Wilson, a criminologist at Birmingham City University, in an interview with The Guardian,
“Time is critical in missing person cases. The quicker images and descriptions reach the public, the higher the chance of locating the individual safely.”
Renewed appeals, such as the one for Adam, often reignite public awareness and can uncover vital information previously overlooked.
What happens next in the investigation?
Police have not yet identified any indication of foul play but emphasised they are keeping all possibilities open. They have vowed to continue searches over the coming days, particularly across open-land areas and locations near Bolton’s main transport links.
Residents are being advised not to engage in self-organised search parties without liaising directly with GMP to ensure coordinated and safe operations.
A final update from Greater Manchester Police on Wednesday afternoon stated:
“Our priority is Adam’s safety. We appreciate all public cooperation so far and ask that people continue to circulate his image widely. We remain hopeful that with your help, Adam can be found safe and reunited with his loved ones.”
Anyone with information should call Greater Manchester Police on 101 quoting log 611 of 23/12/25, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.