Northumbria Police's Missing Persons Team has helped tracked down 1,435 missing people since its formation in February.

The team works closely with response officers, who are often the first called out when a person is reported missing.

The officers liaise with missing people's families and loved ones to obtain information about where they might be.

Teams of officers then conduct targeted searches in areas where the missing individual might be.

Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Kevin Ashurst heads the Missing Persons Team.

He said: "Our local Response Policing teams play a pivotal role in the early investigation of those who are reported as missing.

“They need to show a clear mind in evaluating the situation which they face as well as showing compassion and care with members of the public who can understandably be very upset and concerned.

“I know officers derive huge satisfaction in being able to track down a missing person so that they can be reunited with their loved ones.”

The Force has seen a 17 per cent reduction in the number of missing person incidents in the past year, and a 12 per cent reduction in the number of missing persons.

If you know of someone missing, call Northumbria Police on 101 or visit https://www.northumbria.police.uk/report/