Isle of Wight Police are following new leads in their investigation into the whereabouts of Luke  Cowan, a teenager who has been missing from his home since 16th June.

Luke Jeremy Cowan, aged 17, of Chapel Street, Newport, Isle of Wight was last seen on Tuesday, June 16, 2009.

Detective Inspector Nick Heelan of Newport CID said: 

“Police are making enquiries into a number of more recent, as yet unconfirmed sightings of Luke by members of the public in the Sandown area of the Isle of Wight during the past week.

“Luke’s wallet was found in a Somerfield supermarket in Sandown, and officers are checking CCTV footage from shops and buses.

“I would like to thank the public, the media, and especially bus company Southern Vectis for their time and invaluable assistance with enquiries to date.

“We believe Luke is still on the Isle of Wight, and I’m making a fresh appeal for him or any of his friends who may be looking after him to contact police directly to confirm he is safe and well.”

The last confirmed sighting of Luke was on Tuesday, June 16 shortly after 3.00pm when he was seen on CCTV getting off a bus in Sandown High Street between the junctions of Avenue Road and Albert Road.

He had been seen on CCTV earlier, boarding a Southern Vectis service from Newport Bus Station at approximately 2.15pm on Tuesday, June 16.

Luke is described as:

White

6 ft 2 ins tall

Short dark hair

Blue eyes

Freckles

Broad build

Luke’s disappearance has been described as “totally out-of-character” by his family.

Luke’s mother, Michelle Knight, said: 

“The whole family is worried about Luke, and we are desperate just to know he is safe and well. We all love him, and will support him no matter what happens. There is no need for him to feel frightened about making contact with his family or the police.”

Luke, and anyone with information about his whereabouts, is asked to phone Newport Police Station on 101 or 0845 045 45 45.