The family of Thomas Roche, a 27-year-old man missing for three months, is holding onto hope as a major aerial and ground search is conducted in Bletchley, Buckinghamshire. Thomas was last seen on 6 October at 12:30 BST when he left his flat in Chester Close to smoke a cigarette.
His sister, Carly Roche, 35, revealed that Thomas had suffered a head injury just three days before his disappearance after being struck by a car while cycling down Chepstow Drive. She expressed hope that the search might provide critical clues. “Hopefully this search will provide a clue and we may be able to confirm a sighting,” she said.
Aerial and Ground Searches Underway
The charity Civil Air Support has been conducting search flights over the Bletchley area since 2 January. High-resolution images from these flights are being analyzed for potential leads. Meanwhile, on Sunday, approximately 30 people, including search dogs, gathered to carry out a detailed ground search.
Thames Valley Police, who issued an appeal for information in October, have urged anyone with knowledge of Thomas’s whereabouts to come forward, no matter how small or insignificant the detail may seem.
Family Fears Head Injury Played a Role
Thomas’s sister, Carly, speculates that his head injury could have contributed to his disappearance. She recalled an earlier incident where Thomas had been found disoriented after wandering into a field, suggesting he might have experienced moments of unconsciousness. “He said one minute it was light, and the next minute it was dark,” she shared, explaining her concern about the injury’s effects.
Since his disappearance, Thomas’s family, including his twin brother Reece, has tirelessly searched for him. His phone, money, and cards were left behind, and his absence has been described as completely out of character.
Previous Clues and Search Efforts
A prior search near Weasel Lane, close to Thomas’s flat, uncovered an empty Monster energy drink can containing his DNA. However, police were unable to determine how long the can had been there. Additional searches have been carried out in nearby areas, including Woburn Woods and Cosgrove, Northamptonshire, locations Thomas was known to frequent.
Carly said, “No one has slept properly, and we’re constantly on the lookout.” Thomas, who is the father of five children aged eight, six, five, three, and one, remains at the forefront of his family’s efforts to find answers.
Appeal for Information
Thames Valley Police and Thomas’s family urge anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted directly to the police or anonymously through Crimestoppers.
As search efforts continue, the Roche family remains determined to uncover the truth about Thomas’s disappearance and bring him home.
