More help for families of missing persons

The plight of relatives of missing people is expected to be highlighted in a new cross-government strategy launched today.

The initiative will emphasise the role of the police in ensuring that the relatives of missing people are given help to get legal, emotional and financial support.

The new policy is also expected to focus on helping agencies work in a more co-ordinated way to pin-point people who are at risk of going missing and to find those who do.

The strategy was being launched by crime and security minister James Brokenshire at the charity Missing People in south-west London.

The new strategy comes after campaigners said earlier this year that families are left with a "painful struggle against bureaucracy" when their loved ones go missing.

A Home Office spokesman said: "It is vital that everyone with a role to play in safeguarding and providing support works together in order to give the right help and advice to those who need it."