A Wakefield teenager who was reported missing for more than a week at the start of May has again disappeared from his home.
West Yorkshire Police initially found Denzel Muduma safe and well on Wednesday, May 13, but launched another urgent appeal on Tuesday May 19 as he went missing from his home in Wakefield again.
Denzel, who is 14, was last seen at his home in the Wakefield area on Monday at about 1pm.
It was thought he had travelled to Bradford as he has many links to the area, but it is believed he has been in the Wakefield area since he was reported missing on Monday night.
He was last seen wearing a dark hooded top with pouch pocket and grey markings, dark jeans and black trainers.
Follow all the updates as they happened in our blog coverage below.
How you can identify Denzel
Denzel is a 14-year-old boy of slim build.
He was last seen wearing:
- a dark hooded top with pouch pocket and grey markings
- dark jeans
- black trainers
Police statement
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Farrell said:
“We are concerned that Denzel has been reported missing again, so soon after he was last found.
“We are again warning anyone who is allowing him to stay at their home that they may be committing a criminal offence.
“Denzel’s family are concerned for his welfare and we would ask Denzel, or anyone who knows where he is, to contact police on 101 so we can make sure he is safe and well.”
Denzel reported missing again
West Yorkshire Police say he was last seen at his home in Wakefield on Monday, May 18 - less than a week after he was found safe.
Officers are growing increasingly worried for his welfare.
Denzel found safe and well
West Yorkshire Police have confirmed that they have found Denzel “safe and well”.
Police warning to people who may be helping Denzel hide
A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said:
Anyone who is allowing him to stay at their residence could be committing a criminal offence, so we would urge people to contact us if they can assist in locating him.
Bradford links
Although police do not know exactly where Denzel is, they believe that he may be in the Holme Wood or Bierley areas of Bradford and officers are carrying out enquiries in the community.
Police statement
A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said:
While Denzel is known to be quite streetwise for a 14-year-old boy, we are concerned he has not been seen now for more than a week.
I would ask Denzel, or anyone who knows where he might be to contact us, so we can confirm he is safe and well.
How to recognise Denzel
Denzel is about 5ft 9ins tall and of slim build.
He was last seen wearing:
- a black Nike tracksuit
- black Nike trainers
- a grey gilet / body warmer style jacket
Appeal relaunched
Officers from West Yorkshire Police have relaunched their appeal today - eight days after Denzel went missing.
Neither his family nor the police know where he is and they are growing increasingly concerned that he has not been in touch for more than a week.
When did Denzel go missing?
Police first issued an appeal to try and find Denzel Muduma on Wednesday, May 6 - 48 hours after he went missing from his family home in Wakefield.
He was last seen at around midnight that night and no one has heard from him since.
A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said at the time: “Police are appealing for information relating to 14-year-old Denzel Muduma who is missing from home.
“He was last seen by his family around midnight on May 4, 2020.
“He has links and is known to frequent the Bradford area.
“Police are keen for help from the public in order to return Denzel to the safety of his home.
“Please contact West Yorkshire Police on 101 with any sightings or information quoting log reference 967 04/05/2020.”
