Key Points
- Alexander Sloley went missing from a friend’s house in Islington, London, in August 2008 at age 16.
- He left without a wallet, spare clothes, or much money.
- His mother, Nerissa Tivy, has criticised the police investigation for delays and alleged racism.
- Alexander’s disappearance remains unresolved after 17 years.
- The Independent and charity Missing People have launched the SafeCall appeal to support missing children.
- A fresh police appeal offers a £10,000 reward for information.
- Detective Chief Inspector Sarb Kaur leads the ongoing investigation.
- Missing People emphasises the importance of support services for missing children and their families.
What happened to Alexander Sloley and how did he disappear?
As reported by Luke Andrews of The Independent, Alexander Sloley vanished in August 2008 from a friend’s home in Islington, north London, when he was just 16 years old. He left with only the clothes he was wearing, no wallet, spare clothing, or much money. Nerissa Tivy, his mother, recalls that Alexander was a gentle, protective teenager, devoted to his mother and three sisters, and an avid Arsenal fan with a love for maths.
Ms Tivy said,
“He didn’t like trouble or confrontation. He just wanted everyone to be happy.”
One sister still remembers Alexander taking her to nursery on his bike. For days after he disappeared, she assumed he had gone to stay with friends, but when he failed to return for his 17th birthday and then hers weeks later, she alerted the police.
Why does Nerissa Tivy criticise the police response to Alexander’s disappearance?
According to The Independent and Ms Tivy’s statements, the police response was frustratingly slow. She said,
“You report your child missing and no one gives a damn. It took them two years and three months before they contacted me.”
She believes earlier action could have made a difference in the case.
Ms Tivy also highlighted systemic racism affecting the investigation. She questioned why, given Alexander was a minor, other agencies such as social services were not contacted initially. She stated,
“They deemed that Alex, who is Black, went missing of his own accord,”
implying bias delayed active investigation.
Additionally, Ms Tivy expressed frustration with how officers handling the case frequently changed, forcing new detectives to start afresh while offering little concrete progress.
“These officers just come to look at your case, kind of smile about it and see you for like one or two meetings, and after that, they’re gone,” she said.
How has Alexander’s family been affected by his disappearance?
Nerissa Tivy’s reflections, as reported by The Independent, reveal deep ongoing grief. She said,
“Every day, Alex is still in my thoughts.”
Ordinary moments trigger memories of her son, such as making porridge or buying perfume, which he used to enjoy.
Alexander’s father died in 2014 without ever knowing what happened to his son. Ms Tivy said,
“If I die and I don’t get an answer, hopefully my children will get an answer.”
Her message to other parents is one of persistence:
“Never give up. Be persistent with the police and demand your answers.”
What is the Metropolitan Police doing now regarding Alexander’s case?
Detective Chief Inspector Sarb Kaur, who leads the investigation, told The Independent,
“I fully understand the pain and frustration felt by Alex’s family and we remain committed to finding out what happened to him.”
Earlier in 2025, the police launched a fresh witness appeal offering a £10,000 reward for information. A dedicated investigation team is in place, and a family contact officer continues to maintain communication with the Sloley family, providing constant updates and support.
DCI Kaur urged anyone with information to come forward, stating that anonymous tips are welcome.
What role does the SafeCall appeal and Missing People charity play?
Josie Allan, head of policy and partnerships at Missing People, explained to The Independent that the charity is supporting the Sloley family and others affected by disappearances. They launched the SafeCall appeal alongside The Independent, aiming to raise £165,000 to fund new support services.
“All families deserve a fair response from the agencies there to assist them,”
Allan said, praising Nerissa Tivy for her
“extraordinary strength and determination in the face of unimaginable pain.”
The charity strives to provide a confidential, anonymous service where young people can seek help, with the goal of preventing children from going missing through early support.
How widespread is the issue of missing children in the UK?
Each year, over 430,000 people are affected by a missing child in the UK, with approximately 70,000 children reported missing annually. The case of Alexander Sloley highlights the complexity and emotional toll such cases place on families, as well as the challenges in police responses and investigations.
