In 2025, South Wales Police detectives launched a renewed national appeal on BBC One’s Crimewatch Live seeking crucial information regarding the disappearance of 15-year-old Robert Williams, who went missing in Neath Port Talbot in March 2002.
Robert left his family residence in Resolven, Neath, over 23 years ago and has never made contact with his family or been seen alive since. His mother, Cheryl, spoke on Crimewatch Live to issue an emotional public appeal, detailing the continuous pain endured by the family:
“There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about him. I know somebody out there knows something. Somebody was the last person to see my son alive. So all we want as a family is to fetch him home and I want to lay my son to rest, like any other parent would.”
Senior investigating officers confirmed that active inquiries remain ongoing to uncover the circumstances surrounding the child’s disappearance. A critical line of inquiry centres around a social gathering held in the neighbouring area of Aberdulais on the night of Saturday 23 March into Sunday 24 March 2002, which Robert is confirmed to have attended.
Speaking on the BBC broadcast, Detective Inspector David Butt stated:
“The last 23 years have been a nightmare for Robert’s family. They deserve answers and the community of Resolven deserves answers. The intention of myself and the investigation team is to find him and return him to his family as soon as possible.”
DI Butt emphasized that detectives are particularly eager to trace and speak with every individual who attended the Aberdulais party, reiterating that even minor or seemingly insignificant details from that weekend could provide the breakthrough needed to locate Robert.
South Wales Police are appealing to former attendees of the gathering, residents of Resolven and Aberdulais from 2002, and anyone with knowledge of the events to come forward.
Disclosures can be submitted directly to investigators online via the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) under operation reference 62WH020310C96-PO1.
Information can also be reported with absolute anonymity through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their secure online form, quoting police occurrence number 2300271756.
Image – Missing Person Appeal Still
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