With Christmas Day upon London, the city is gripped by growing concern for a missing 13-year-old boy named Abdul, who vanished nearly two weeks ago from his family home in Islington. As temperatures drop and families gather for the holidays, Abdul’s absence casts a shadow over his loved ones and the wider community, prompting an urgent appeal from the Metropolitan Police and heartfelt pleas from his family.
Abdul was last seen on Saturday, December 13, 2025, leaving his home in Islington, north London. According to the Metropolitan Police, he was wearing a black tracksuit and white trainers at the time. Despite extensive efforts by officers to trace his whereabouts, there has been no sign of Abdul since that day. As the days have passed and winter’s chill has set in, the urgency to find him has only intensified.
His father, clearly distraught, spoke directly to the public in statements carried by multiple outlets, including BBC and Sky News: “As a family, we are deeply concerned for Abdul’s safety and are asking for the public’s help in locating him.” The family’s anxiety is palpable, especially as the holiday season, a time typically spent with loved ones, approaches with Abdul still missing.
The Metropolitan Police have now issued a second public appeal for help. Detective Chief Inspector Sarb Kaur, who is leading the investigation, emphasized the gravity of the situation. “Abdul should be spending Christmas Day with his family, like any other 13-year-old boy,” she stated, as reported by Sky News. “We are increasingly concerned for his welfare, particularly as temperatures drop, and want to see him home and safe.”
DCI Kaur’s words echo the fears of many parents: no one wants to imagine a child alone and vulnerable, especially during the coldest months of the year. The police have not only canvassed Islington but have also followed leads suggesting Abdul might be in Hounslow, west London. “We believe Abdul could be in Hounslow and would urge the public to contact us immediately if they see him,” DCI Kaur said, urging vigilance throughout the capital.
The case has prompted extensive media coverage and a wave of community concern. BBC News described the police’s “extensive inquiries” and noted that Abdul’s surname has not been released, a measure taken under national guidance to protect the privacy of vulnerable missing persons. This protocol, adopted by the Metropolitan Police, aims to minimize the long-term digital footprint of missing children, safeguarding their future privacy should they be found and return to normal life.
Abdul’s disappearance has struck a chord not only because of his age but also because of the timing. With Christmas just a day away, the sense of urgency is heightened. “Abdul, if you’re reading this, please get in touch with us or your family, we just want you home and safe,” DCI Kaur implored, her words broadcast across news outlets and social media in hopes that the boy himself—or someone who knows his whereabouts—might hear and respond.
The search for Abdul has also highlighted the importance of community involvement in missing persons cases. Authorities are appealing to anyone who may have seen a boy matching Abdul’s description—13 years old, last seen in a black tracksuit and white trainers—to call 999 immediately, quoting reference 8067/13DEC. It’s a simple action, but one that could make all the difference in reuniting a family torn by worry and uncertainty.
Local residents in Islington and Hounslow have been urged to remain alert. The police have conducted house-to-house inquiries, reviewed CCTV footage, and followed up on every lead, but so far, Abdul’s whereabouts remain a mystery. The longer he is missing, the greater the concern for his well-being, especially as the weather grows colder and the nights longer.
Abdul’s story is, sadly, not unique. Every year, thousands of children go missing across the UK, and while the majority are found quickly, some cases become prolonged and deeply distressing for families. The Metropolitan Police’s approach—combining professional investigation with public appeals and sensitive handling of personal information—reflects lessons learned from previous missing child cases.
As reported by the Evening Standard, there was initial confusion about what Abdul was wearing when he left home. Officers first believed he had on his school uniform but later confirmed it was a black tracksuit and white trainers. Such details, while seemingly minor, can be crucial in helping the public identify and report sightings.
Throughout the ordeal, Abdul’s family has remained at the center of the appeals. Their emotional statements have been shared widely, amplifying the call for help. “We are deeply concerned for Abdul’s safety and are asking for the public’s help in locating him,” his father reiterated in the Daily Mail, expressing a sentiment that resonates with anyone who has ever worried about a loved one’s safety.
The police have also addressed Abdul directly in their appeals, a move that recognizes the possibility that he might be avoiding contact or unaware of the concern his absence has caused. “Abdul, if you’re reading this, please get in touch with us or your family, we just want you home and safe,” DCI Kaur repeated, hoping that a direct message might reach him through news coverage or social media.
As Christmas Day dawns, Abdul’s family faces the prospect of an empty seat at the table and a holiday marked by uncertainty. The Metropolitan Police, meanwhile, continue their search, bolstered by the support of the public and the media. The hope remains that someone, somewhere, will recognize Abdul and make the call that brings him home.
For now, the city waits, united in concern and hope, as the search for Abdul continues into the holiday season.
