Two missing adolescents featured in Dan Walker‘s series Vanished: The Search for Britain’s Missing have been located.
Their experiences were shared on the Channel 5 show on November 8, and they were discovered less than 24 hours later.
Daniel Wawrzynczak, 15, went missing on October 23 from his home in Warwickshire’s Chadshunt, sparking a UK-wide search.
After reading the appeal, he contacted police officers in Lewisham this morning.
Detective Inspector Paul Sartoris, who was heavily involved in the search to find Daniel, said: ‘Thank you to everyone who shared our appeals from Warwickshire Police and amplified the message.
‘Daniel has returned home safe and well.’
Grace Fisher, 16, of Gillingham, Kent, who went missing on October 13, has also been located.
Kent Police said she was safe and well in Camden after Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Faulkner appeared on Vanished imploring people to help find her.
‘This is amazing news,’ commented Dan, 46.
‘We are so relieved that these young people have been found and are now safe and well.’
He is naturally enthusiastic about working on the initiative that is assisting in the reunification of families, and he is proud of the job they have accomplished thus far.
‘The whole point of Vanished is to help families whose loved ones have gone missing and we are delighted that we have been able to be part of that, working closely with Missing People and police around the UK.
‘The whole Vanished team are really proud to be working on a programme that has a real purpose and is making a genuine impact on peoples’ lives.’
Since the second series began on November 1, Missing People has received a record amount of calls. They take one call every minute while the programmes are airing and continue to receive information after the show has stopped.
The charity’s Chief Executive Jo Youle said: ‘The response to the show has been astonishing.
‘We have reported sightings of people who have gone missing and have also been able to help people who are either missing right now or thinking of going missing, as well as families worried about their loved ones.’
They have also received calls on chef Claudia Lawrence, who was featured on this week’s show, and the information will be handed on to the authorities.
Viewers were informed that she went missing in York about 15 years ago, and retired police inspector Martin Holleran expressed his view on the case, as well as his optimism that she may yet be located.
‘Because there was no damage in the house because the backpack was taken with her normal working clothes. I think the reality is it’s happened on the Thursday morning as opposed to the Wednesday night.
‘My hypothesis, having looked at what’s available, would suggest that somebody has picked her up on the Thursday morning.
‘What’s very interesting as well, is that a witness later came forward to say that they’d seen a male and female arguing by a car, at ten past six in the morning on Thursday 19th. And the passenger door was open.’
He concluded: ‘I think there is somebody out there who does know something. I think there is somebody out there who’s still got information, and I think this case could still be resolved.’
Vanished: The search for Britain’s missing airs on Channel 5, Wednesdays at 8pm. All episodes are available to watch on My5.
Missing People’s free and confidential helpline is available on 116 000.
