Key points
- Avon and Somerset Police are appealing to the public for information to locate 44‑year‑old Ben, who has links to Bristol and may travel through Weston‑super‑Mare.
- Ben was last seen in the Cabot Circus area of Bristol and is described as about 5ft 10in tall, with short light brown hair and stubble.
- When last seen he was wearing a black top, grey bottoms, black trainers and a dark‑coloured jacket, and police say he may have been in the Weston‑super‑Mare area or along main transport routes into the town.
- Officers are urging anyone who may have seen him, or who recognises the description, to contact Avon and Somerset Police as soon as possible.
- The appeal comes from the Missing People unit at Avon and Somerset Police, which handles reports of adults and children who have gone missing and may be at risk.
Weston-super-Mare(Bristol Express)May 24, 2026-As reported by North Somerset Times and initially shared through Avon and Somerset Police’s social media channels, the force is stressing that Ben has links to Bristol but may have travelled through Weston‑super‑Mare. Officers have highlighted that the area around Cabot Circus in central Bristol is where he was last seen, and they are asking the public to check images circulated by the force and local media to see if they recognise him.
Police have not said exactly how long he has been missing, but the Missing People unit’s guidance notes that there is no minimum time limit for reporting a missing person and anyone concerned should contact police immediately. In this case, the force is treating the situation as urgent because of the possibility that Ben may be at risk, which is why they are publicly circulating a detailed description and an appeal.
How Ben is described
In the appeal, Avon and Somerset Police describe Ben, who is 44, as approximately 5ft 10in tall, with short light brown hair and stubble on his face. When he was last seen he was wearing a black top, grey bottoms, black trainers and a dark‑coloured jacket, which officers say may help members of the public identify him if they recall seeing someone matching that description.
The force has also stressed that he may be using public transport or walking along main routes into Weston‑super‑Mare, so they are asking bus drivers, station staff and local residents in the town and surrounding areas to look out for him. Anyone who has CCTV, door‑entry camera or dash‑cam footage from relevant dates and times is also being encouraged to share it with the force.
What the police are asking the public to do
As stated by Avon and Somerset Police in their post, the force is asking members of the public to contact them if they have any information about Ben’s whereabouts or have seen him in recent days. They have directed people to call the police non‑emergency number or use the force’s online reporting channels, stressing that even small details – such as a brief sighting or a remembered location – can be significant.
The Missing People unit at Avon and Somerset Police notes that families and friends are often the first to spot changes in someone’s behaviour and encourages anyone who feels concerned to come forward without delay. In this case, the public appeal is part of a wider Missing People strategy that includes checking hotels, shelters and transport hubs, as well as circulating Ben’s description via social media and local news outlets.
Social media and local media coverage
The original appeal was posted by Avon and Somerset Police on X (formerly Twitter) and shared on their Facebook page, where the force explains that they “need your help” to find Ben and reiterates his description and possible routes through Weston‑super‑Mare. The North Somerset Times then picked up the appeal in its local news coverage, framing it as a police search for a missing 44‑year‑old man with Bristol links who may have travelled through Weston‑super‑Mare.
Other local outlets and social‑media groups dedicated to missing people in Bristol and the surrounding area have also reposted or referenced the appeal, helping to broaden the reach of the information. Police have indicated that these kinds of shared posts can significantly increase the chances of locating someone missing, especially when the person may be moving between towns or using public transport.
What happens if someone is found
If Ben is located safe, Avon and Somerset Police say their Missing People unit will work with him and any relevant support services to ensure he is not at further risk. When a missing person is found, officers may also review the circumstances that led to the disappearance and, where appropriate, connect the individual with mental‑health services, housing agencies or other support organisations.
The force has also reminded the public that reporting a loved one or acquaintance as missing does not automatically lead to negative consequences, and that early reporting can make a crucial difference in locating someone quickly. In previous cases handled by the Missing People unit, timely sightings and public tips have helped officers trace individuals to hospitals, shelters, transport hubs, or friends’ homes.
Background of missing‑persons work in the region
The Missing People unit at Avon and Somerset Police operates across the region, including Bristol, North Somerset and surrounding areas, and deals with both adults and children who have gone missing. The unit works closely with national charities such as Missing People and local authorities to coordinate searches, appeals and support for families.
In the past, the force has issued similar appeals for other missing adults in Bristol and Weston‑super‑Mare, sometimes with updates confirming that the individuals have been found safe. These cases highlight how public‑appeal campaigns, combined with traditional police work, can help reunite people with their families or link them with appropriate care services.
How this development could affect local residents and families
For residents of Bristol and Weston‑super‑Mare, this appeal serves as a reminder of how quickly someone can go missing and how important community vigilance can be. Families and friends of missing adults may be more likely to report concerns early, knowing that police are actively encouraging information and that there is no need to wait 24 hours before contacting them.
For those who see similar appeals in the future, the handling of Ben’s case may also make it clearer how local media and social‑media channels can amplify police requests, increasing the chance that a missing person is spotted and safely returned. Local transport workers, shop staff and residents may therefore feel more prompted to report any recognised faces or descriptions, helping Avon and Somerset Police fulfil their Missing People mandate across the region.
