Someone is reported missing every 90 seconds in the UK, and while most are found quickly, many families face weeks, months or years of uncertainty.
Missing People is a UK charity offering free, confidential, 24-hour support to missing people and their families during what is often an isolating and distressing time.
The gallery below contains the faces of 62 people missing from the North West, with families asking anyone who recognises them to come forward.
Sightings can be reported free and confidentially by calling 116 000, emailing [email protected], or completing the charity’s online sightings form.
49. Brendan Taaffe
Age at disappearance: 39 | Missing since: January 26, 2010 | Missing from: Birkenhead in Merseyside | Reference number: 10-002273 | www.missingpeople.org.uk
50. Ronald Ellis
Age at disappearance: 31 | Missing since: May 1, 2010 | Missing from: Northwich in Cheshire | Reference number: 11-000104 | www.missingpeople.org.uk
51. Thomas Billington
Age at disappearance: 66 | Missing since: June 1, 2009 | Missing from: Preston | Reference number: 10-000944 | www.missingpeople.org.uk
52. Jordan Ratcliffe
Age at disappearance: 16 | Missing since: August 31, 2008 | Missing from: Manchester | Reference number: 09-004404 | www.missingpeople.org.uk