Police search River Thames for missing student Harvey Parker, who disappeared after night out
Harvey Parker. (Met Police)
Police searching for missing student Harvey Parker have begun searching the River Thames after reviewing CCTV footage.
The 20-year-old University of York student has been missing since the early hours of 17 December. Harvey disappeared after attending a Little Simz concert at the O2 Academy in Brixton before heading to well-known LGBT+ nightclub, Heaven, near Charing Cross. They left the club at around 2.15am on their own.
Harvey then started moving south, towards the Embankment, before their disappearance, according to CCTV footage. The student has not been answering phone calls.
“We have not been able to speak to Harvey on his phone and we are not aware of any reason why he should not be in contact with his family,” said detective sergeant Dick Nation, from Lambeth police.
According to police, the search of the Thames began after footage was found suggesting that Harvey may have “entered the water” near the Golden Jubilee pedestrian bridge, which links Embankment and Waterloo.
A police statement went on to clarify that “at this stage of the investigation there is nothing to suggest that there is any third party involvement”.
Detective chief inspector Lucy O’Connor, from Central South Safeguarding Unit, said: “We are doing all we can to find Harvey, and working closely with our colleagues in the Marine Policing Unit. We are keeping Harvey’s family fully informed of any developments; and the thoughts of my colleagues and I are with them at this distressing time. We would also ask that media avoid any speculation while the enquiry continues.”
Harvey’s mother, Amanda, is desperate for information about their whereabouts.
“Harvey’s very musically accomplished and very academically gifted and really confident,” she told Metro. “The flute is Harvey’s first instrument, along with the oboe, piano and organ. Harvey’s a phenomenal musician. Harvey is very engaging, has lots of friends and is quirky.”
Please share! Our lovely Front of House team member Harvey has gone missing. If anyone has any information or knows anything then please contact the police. https://t.co/YSxOJ2nqNE
— Theatre Royal Stratford East (@stratfordeast) December 20, 2021
Amanda has said that she initially assumed that Harvey had gone to their job at Theatre Royal Stratford East. However, missing persons posts circulated on social media by friends state that they had missed their shifts. The theatre has since joined efforts to find the student.
Amanda has also explained that as Harvey is autistic, his difficulty with reading social situations could potentially make him more vulnerable.
“We don’t know what’s happening,” said his mother, Amanda. “Please Harvey if you see this please just come home.”
Harvey has been described as mixed race with dark hair, with a slight build standing at 5ft 9in. Anybody with information is asked to come forward by calling 101 or tweeting @MetCC, quoting CAD 3134/18DEC21.
