A HUGE £20,000 reward has been offered by detectives searching for a man who vanished from his home 18 years ago as a teenager.
Alex Sloley was just 16 years old when he was reported missing from Islington in August 2008.
Alex Sloley went missing in 2008
Alex could look like this now, according to cops Credit: Metropolitan Police
Alex’s disappearance sparked an extensive Metropolitan Police investigation that continues to be regularly reviewed for fresh leads despite it occurring nearly two decades ago.
Cops have disclosed that Alex was a victim of exploitation who was being coerced into criminality by local gangs at the time he went missing.
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Investigating officers now want to hear from anyone who was similarly exploited by gangs in North London around 2008 and may hold crucial information.
Police have released two potential e-fits of Alex that could show what he looks like aged 34.
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Detective Chief Inspector Sarb Kaur said: “We are continuing our efforts to find Alex and support his family who have spent the past 18 years desperately wanting answers.
“We are aware that at the time he went missing, Alex was a victim of exploitation and was being coerced into criminality by gangs in the area.
“We are looking to speak with anyone who believes they were exploited by gangs in North London around 2008 and may have seen Alex or have information to contact us.
“You will not be in trouble, but you may hold key information which could help us piece the jigsaw together.
At the time of his disappearance, Alexander was described as 5ft 5in tall with blue eyes
Alex, pictured four years before his disappearance
“A £20,000 reward is on offer to anyone who provides information which could lead us to Alex.
“Over time allegiances can change and we hope that the offer of this substantial reward could help someone with information to come forward.”
The Met Police first received a report from Alex’s family on 8 August 2008 after they had not seen or heard from him.
An investigation was immediately launched, with officers gathering statements from Alex’s family and friends while reviewing CCTV from the surrounding area.
Alex, pictured with younger sister Lattina
The Met Police had previously issued an e-fit in 2019 of what they thought Alex would look like Credit: Met Police
At the time he disappeared, Alex was described as being around 5ft 5ins tall, of medium build, and with striking blue eyes.
Repeated public appeals made over the years have yielded multiple reported sightings, but detectives hope the substantial reward will finally provide the breakthrough needed to locate him.
Cops urged anyone with information to come forward immediately and “do the right thing” despite the age of the case.
DCI Kaur added: “Over the years following the appeals we have made, our officers have reviewed hundreds of reports from people who believe they’ve seen Alex in London.
“Unfortunately, this information is yet to provide investigating officers with the information needed to find him.
“Alongside this appeal, we are continuing to put Alex’s image out there, both at the time he went missing and how he may look now at the age of 34, in case anyone has seen him and can contact us.
“We remain committed to this investigation which I believe can be solved.”
Anyone who has any information can contact the investigation team directly, via phone or text message on 07860 369 603.
Alternatively, information can be provided via 101 or submitted online.
Information can also be provided anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
