A VULNERABLE Coventry teenager with special needs has been found in London after going missing for more than three days.
As we reported yesterday, Joshua Worwood, 18, was expected back at his home in Wood End at 4.15pm on Monday (June 24) after going to school at Riverbank Academy, Princethorpe Way, Binley.
But when he did not return his panic-stricken family launched a desperate appeal on social media which has since been shared thousands of times, drawing national attention.
The search yesterday (June 26) went national, after several sightings in central London.
A Facebook group called ‘Find Josh’ with more than 7,000 members was set up to share information leading to his safe return.
Search parties were launched and after a sighting at Marylebone Station in London, Josh’s dad Richard travelled to the capital to find his son.
And at around 1am today (June 27) – with family members, friends and members of the public all joining the search – Josh was found at Victoria Station.
Dad Richard Worwood said: “A massive thanks from the bottom of my heart to every single person involved in helping finding my son. It means more than you will ever know.”
Josh’s grandmother Lilly May said: “I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has shared, searched, messaged, posted flyers, and for thousands of people who offered to help find josh but thankfully he’s found and returning home where he belongs with his family and friends.
“Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts. I have tears of joy and not sadness anymore.”
Family member Kerriann Crossman said: “You lot are truly a beautiful bunch of people!
“Thanks again for getting our little man home! Our hearts feel full again.”
Another family member Kay Samantha said: “So happy to hear my nephew is safe and coming home.
“Thank you everyone who helped my family. My brother and his wife truly do have best of family and friends.”
There was jubilation this morning on the search group – which has since been renamed ‘Found Josh!’ – as people awoke to the news.
People on the group hailed the successful search effort for helping get Josh home safe.
Many saluted Coventry’s community spirit, with the city coming together to help the Worwood family in their hour of need.
A Coventry Police spokesperson said: “Joshua Worwood has been found safe and well.
“Thank you to everybody who helped by re-tweeting.”
