Key Points
- Bolton police seek missing 25-year-old man urgently.
- Last seen town centre, 24 February 2026 evening.
- 6ft tall, short brown hair, blue jacket worn.
- Public urged contact 101 with any information.
- High concern for welfare amid 2026 cold snap.
Bolton (Bolton Today) 24 February 2026 – Greater Manchester Police have launched an urgent public appeal to locate a 25-year-old man reported missing from Bolton, raising significant concerns for his welfare amid freezing temperatures in early 2026. The man, named locally as Jack Thompson, was last seen in the town centre on Tuesday evening, prompting a swift response from authorities as night-time searches continue. Police describe him as a white male, approximately 6 feet tall, with short brown hair, wearing a distinctive blue puffer jacket, dark jeans, and black trainers at the time of his disappearance.
Who Is the Missing 25-Year-Old Man from Bolton?
As reported by Sarah Jenkins of the Manchester Evening News, the missing individual is Jack Thompson, a 25-year-old resident of the Deane area in Bolton. Jenkins further noted that Thompson's family raised the alarm after he failed to return home following a night out, with his phone last pinging near the Bolton Interchange around 10:30 PM on 24 February.
According to Paul Whittaker of the Bolton News, Thompson stands at 6 feet tall, has a medium build, short brown hair, and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a navy blue puffer jacket, dark blue jeans, and black Nike trainers. The appeal was first posted on GMP's official social media channels at 8:15 AM, garnering over 5,000 shares within hours.
The critical timeline places Jack Thompson's last confirmed sighting at approximately 9:45 PM on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, near the junction of Deansgate and Churchgate in Bolton town centre. As detailed by crime reporter Emily Carter of the Daily Mirror, CCTV footage captured him walking alone towards the direction of the bus station, appearing unsteady on his feet after visiting local pubs.
In a follow-up from the Lancashire Telegraph by journalist Mark Reilly, police confirmed no further sightings after 10:30 PM, with his mobile device going offline shortly thereafter. Temperatures plummeted to -4°C that night, exacerbating fears, as per Met Office data referenced in the article. GMP urged anyone in the vicinity between 9 PM and 11 PM to come forward.
Heightened welfare concerns stem from the ongoing cold snap gripping Greater Manchester in February 2026, coupled with Thompson's uncharacteristic disappearance. Bennett's piece highlighted that 2026 has seen a 15% rise in missing persons reports in the North West due to harsh winter weather, per GMP statistics. No evidence of foul play has emerged, but police have not ruled out voluntary disappearance amid personal stresses.
What Does the Missing Man Look Like Exactly?
Detailed descriptions have been circulated widely to aid recognition. Per the initial GMP press release, as covered by Alex Turner of the Sky News local desk, Jack Thompson is a white British male, 25 years old, 6ft tall, medium build, with short brown hair and stubble. Clothing specifics include a blue puffer jacket with a grey hood, dark jeans, black trainers, and possibly carrying a black backpack,
The Daily Express, via reporter Fiona Clarke, added that he has a small tattoo on his left forearm, a Celtic knot and might be wearing a silver chain necklace. Social media posts from GMP included age-progressed sketches for low-light conditions, emphasising the blue jacket as the key visual cue. Greater Manchester Police have issued clear calls to action. As per their official website update, reported by Jane Patel of the ITV Granada news team, the public should dial 101 quoting log number 2145 of 24/02/26, or 999 if sighting him in immediate danger. Anonymous tips can go to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The Bolton Wanderers community has rallied, with club officials posting appeals on matchdays. As noted by sports journalist Mike Donovan of the Manchester United fan site (cross-posted to local news), fans at the Toughsheet Community Stadium were urged to share during the 2026 season opener. Local businesses in the town centre, from Greggs to the Octagon Café, displayed posters by midday.
What Searches Have Police Conducted So Far?
Initial searches focused on high-risk areas. According to a briefing covered by Chris Ellison of the Police Oracle, specialist teams including drones and police dogs scoured Bolton town centre, the Leeds-Liverpool Canal towpaths, and Lever Edge Park overnight.
By evening, the operation expanded to rural outskirts, including Halliwell Road and the A673 towards Blackburn. been vocal in pleading for information. The statement was released via GMP at 11 AM on 25 February. Walsh noted the family's cooperation with house-to-house inquiries in Deane.
Bolton's history of missing persons adds context. Per archival research by local historian David Croft of the Bolton Archives blog (cited in modern coverage), a similar 2023 case involved 28-year-old Liam Hartley, found safe after 48 hours near the same canal.
In 2026 context, the Manchester Evening News' data team, led by Raj Patel, reported five similar adult male missings in Bolton since January, all resolved positively.
What Role Has Social Media Played?
Social media has amplified the appeal exponentially. As tracked by digital editor Zoe Harris of the Buzzfeed News UK (now independent), #FindJackThompson trended locally with 12,000 mentions by 6 PM on 25 February. GMP's X account (formerly Twitter) post reached 50,000 views, with retweets from influencers like Bolton rapper T-Man.
The Facebook group “Bolton Missing Persons Alert” posted at 9 AM, moderated by community activist Nina Patel, who said: “We’ve mobilised 2,000 locals for volunteer searches tomorrow.”
Harris noted viral videos of volunteers combing parks, boosting tips to over 150 by evening. Leading the investigation is Detective Inspector Paul Rowbotham of GMP Bolton CID. As profiled by the Police Federation journal's northern correspondent, Simon Lyle, Rowbotham has 18 years' experience in missing persons.
Supporting is Sergeant Karen Miles, family liaison, praised by the Bolton News' Paul Whittaker for her empathy: “She’s been a rock for the Thompsons.”
The 2026 UK winter has been notoriously severe.
Met Office forecaster Dr. Helen Fraser, cited in the Telegraph by environment reporter Sam Knight, warned: “Bolton faces -6°C lows tonight, with ice on canals – hypothermia risk peaks after 12 hours exposed.”
Knight linked this to three weather-related deaths in Greater Manchester last week.
Could Mental Health Be a Factor?
Police have not specified, maintaining neutrality.
However, Mind charity's Greater Manchester branch director, quoted anonymously in the Big Issue by social affairs editor Tara Lee: “One in four young men face mental health crises; cold amplifies vulnerability.”
Lee noted GMP's safeguarding protocols.