Family plea to find missing Latchford man James Miller two years on

James Miller was last seen three days before Christmas – at around 11pm on Tuesday, December 22, 2020.

He left his family home on Slater Street in Latchford and has not been seen since.

While two years have passed since his disappearance, James’ family have not given up hope in finding him, and they hold onto the possibility of him walking through the door every day.

They are also renewing their appeal for anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant you may feel it is, to report it to the police.

Speaking to the Warrington Guardian, James’ sister Emma said: “Unfortunately, we have not had any updates, and any potential leads have all hit dead ends.

Emma during last year's candlelit vigil

“The past two years have been like living in another world. You have to get on with your life, but yet you feel that emptiness around you every day.

“At big birthday celebrations that he has missed out on this year, where he would be the life and soul of the party, he just is not there.

“Halloween and Bonfire Night, two of his favourite days of the year, just are not the same without him setting the fireworks off before we were all ready.

“It is just the simple things like this that leave a massive void in our lives.”

Due to the time of year that James went missing, the festive period is always difficult for Emma and her family, but they are trying to remain as positive as they can.

James Miller has been missing for almost two years

“We are very family orientated around Christmas, and again he is just missing, with an empty chair where he would be sitting,” she continued.

“We miss him playing with all the kids, winding me and my mum up and avoiding any sprouts.

“Remaining positive is all we can do. We hold onto hope every day that we will hear some news or he is going to burst through the door.”

James’ family held a candlelit vigil to mark a year since his disappearance last Christmas, and they are set to hold a similar event this year on Thursday, December 22, at a time to be confirmed in Victoria Park in Latchford.

The aim, on the second anniversary of his disappearance, is that his loved ones will ‘light up’ Victoria Park as a way of coming together in his absence, with all welcome to attend.

James Miller's sisters Emma and Catherine

When asked what members of the public can do to help, Emma says keeping his photo in people’s minds is key.

“Keep sharing his pictures far and wide to keep his face fresh,” she said.

“Yes, he may have changed over the past two years, maybe grown facial hair or something, but just keep him in your mind when you are out and about.”

Addressing James directly, Emma added: “I MISS YOU SO, SO, SO, SO MUCH. I cannot express how much we need you right now. Please be safe.”

Cheshire Police say that officers have ‘looked into numerous reported sightings’ of James over the past two year, but all have ‘proved inconclusive’.

A huge appeal for information has been launched to find James

He is described as being 5’8” tall and of a medium build, with ‘bright blue’ eyes and a ‘distinctive’ scar on the side of his head.

James was wearing a white t-shirt and grey jogging bottoms at the time of his disappearance.

The mechanic did not take his phone, identification, cigarettes or any cash, having left after an argument, and was captured on a CCTV camera walking in the direction of Carol Street moments later.

On the status of the investigation, DI Helen Clegg, of Warrington Local Policing Unit, commented: “It is coming up to two years since James was last seen and reported missing.

“A significant time has passed since his disappearance, but this does not make it any easier for James’ family and friends who are still waiting for his return.

CCTV of James Miller leaving his home

“Although we have had a number of enquiries since James went missing, we have still been unable to establish his whereabouts.

“However, it still remains that this investigation remains open, and we will continue to act on any new information that could lead to James being found.

“I would continue to urge the public to think back to the time around when James went missing, and if they think they have any information, no matter how big or small, please get in touch with us.”

Anyone who may have information is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101, quoting IML 880492.

Information can also be submitted online by visiting cheshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/