Dad of 14-year-old who mysteriously vanished at London train station 19 years ago issues heartbreaking update
The dad of a 14-year-old boy who mysteriously vanished has issued a heartbreaking update saying his grieving family has had 'no resolution' after almost two decades.
Andrew Gosden hasn't been seen since September 2007, with his disappearance remaining unsolved to this day.
On 14 September, the teenager went to catch a bus to school but didn't get on it. Instead, he withdrew £200 from his bank account and bought a one-way train ticket from Doncaster to London.
On the morning he disappeared, Gosden was last seen at around 8:30am walking down Littlemoor Lane, in Balby, towards Westfield Park.
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But after his parents went to work, he then returned home and changed out of his school uniform into regular clothes, sporting a black T-shirt, jeans and trainers.
After then withdrawing the cash, he boarded a 9.35am train scheduled to arrive at King's Cross at 11.20am.
CCTV footage captured his last known movements, filming him at the station but he has not been seen since.
Gosden's school had noticed his absence but mistakenly called the wrong parent and left the voice note with them.
The CCTV was not obtained until 27 days later, leaving police with a cold trail. His whereabouts were never determined and he has still not been found.
Despite a number of arrests over the years, including a 45-year-old man and a 38-year-old man in 2021 on suspicion of kidnap and human trafficking. They were released without charge.
After the initial CCTV trail went cold, the investigation moved on to trying to establish why Gosden had decided to go to London.
An early theory put forward by the family was that he had decided to go sightseeing or had planned to visit the capital with his family to see his grandparents or other family living there.
They said he also enjoyed visiting London's museums and exhibitions and there was also speculation he had possibly wanted to attend a concert, but nothing was proven.
Heartbreaking images show what Andrew would possibly look like now, as he would be aged 33 today.
The Missing People appeal remains active, and reads: "Andrew we are here for you whenever you are ready; we can listen, talk you through what help you need, pass a message for you and help you to be safe."
"We still miss him all the time"
Andrew's dad Kevin has been penning updates in an online blog following his son's disappearance, most recently writing an entry on 14 September - some 19 years after his son vanished.
He has worked with the charity Missing People to raise awareness of his son's disappearance. South Yorkshire Police have confirmed they would still review information submitted in relation to the teenager's disappearance.
Writing an emotional post on his blog, Kevin said the family have had 'no resolution'.
"I very often write a short blog for Andrew’s birthday in July. This year, I found myself literally having no idea what to write. Not one thought. Zero," he penned.
"A little later, as I reflected on it, I realised that I would end up writing a blog about not writing a blog.
"Some of it comes down to the ongoing battles with depression and anxiety, some of it simply because nothing has changed and never seems to.
"We still miss Andrew all the time and have no resolution of any kind."
He continued: "It occurred to me that perhaps 4 or 5 times this year I have been approached by media companies about the possibility of making a new documentary style film and have felt unable to say yes because telling the story again is so painful and that after so long (19 years) I have discovered that none of it has turned up anything concrete about what happened to our son.
"I then realised that the exception to this has been the times I was asked by Missing People to help out with media and publicity.
"I think I feel differently about this because it helps others more widely by making them aware of the amazing work Missing People do and also to know where to obtain help should they need it.
"I am not by nature a demonstrative chap. Many of us have little idea how we would manage without the support of the wonderful folk at Missing People and actually all I can really think of to say is to please know that they are there.
"The greatest hope in our situation for so long is that others are spared this pain and should they have to endure it, they know where to turn for help and support."
In a statement South Yorkshire Police said: "We continue to review any information we receive in relation to Andrew's disappearance - it's not too late to get in touch.
"If you know something that could help us find him, please get in contact with us. Even the smallest piece of information could prove to be helpful."
Anyone who believes they may know someone with these identifying features, or may hold information about an individual that matches Andrew's description is asked to please call South Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 161 of 13 September 2017.
You can also speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Topics: UK News
James Holt