**Concern Grows for Missing Swansea Woman Last Seen Three Days Ago**
Authorities in Swansea are intensifying their search for a young local woman who has not been seen for several days. South Wales Police have issued an urgent appeal to the public for assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 24-year-old Cerys Howley, who was last sighted on Friday evening. This ongoing absence has sparked increasing concern from both her family and the local community, as well as those leading the official investigation.
Ms Howley, a resident of the Penlan area of Swansea, was last seen between 8pm and 9pm on Friday, 20 June. According to information released by South Wales Police, she was wearing a black Adidas t-shirt and black jeans shorts at the time she disappeared. Officers are now hoping that anyone who recalls seeing someone matching this description will come forward.
In a formal statement, the police made their concerns for Cerys’ welfare clear, highlighting the urgency of the situation. “Help us find Cerys Howley from Penlan, Swansea. She has been reported missing and there is concern for her welfare,” read the appeal. The request for assistance encourages anyone with details, no matter how small, to make contact using a provided reference number: 2500197784.
The force is supporting its search efforts with advice to the public on how to offer information. People with knowledge that could help trace Cerys have been invited to use South Wales Police’s live chat service or an online form, or to call the non-emergency number 101, quoting the reference provided. This multi-channel approach is hoped to maximise the reach of the appeal.
Missing persons cases such as this one are, sadly, all too familiar to South Wales Police, who reportedly deal with over 8,000 such reports annually. In accordance with force protocol, an individual is classed as “missing” when their whereabouts are unknown, and they are only removed from the list once their safety has been confirmed. The force’s website notes, “Often the missing person themselves does not consider themselves ‘missing,’ however until they are sighted safe and well by police as a result of the concerns raised for them, they will be classed as a missing person.”
Despite the evident concern from the community and the understandable desire to help, the police have issued cautious advice regarding public involvement in the physical search. South Wales Police stressed that while they welcome the public’s support, searches should remain in the hands of specially trained teams. “Our searches are coordinated by highly-trained, well-equipped search experts who take an intelligence-led, methodical approach which everyone involved understands and follows,” the statement emphasised. The risk of hindrance or accidental interference with official search efforts underlines the necessity for a coordinated response.
Cases involving missing young adults can be some of the most distressing, both for families awaiting news and for the wider community. The lack of recent sightings and the ongoing search reflect the seriousness with which authorities are treating Cerys Howley’s disappearance. As the hours pass, it is hoped that someone will recall seeing her or will come forward with information that could help bring her home safely.
Individuals with any possible information about Cerys’ current location or recent movements are urged to contact South Wales Police without delay. Members of the public can also keep up to date with developments and community alerts via online platforms and social media, as the search continues.
As the investigation remains active and concerns for Cerys’ wellbeing deepen, community members are uniting in their hopes for a positive outcome. The police and those close to Cerys encourage vigilance and compassion, reminding everyone that any detail could prove crucial in reuniting a missing person with their loved ones.