Urgent search for 36-year-old Matthew missing in Dagenham since May 21

Key Points:

• Name: Matthew, aged 36
• Last seen: 21 May 2025 at his home in Dagenham
• Description: White male, approximately 5ft 9in, with dark coloured hair
• Police appeal: Issued by the Metropolitan Police
• Call to action: Public urged to call 999 and quote reference 01/7517033/25
• Source: Reported by Poppy Huggett, Barking and Dagenham Post
• Ongoing concern: Reflects a pattern of missing persons in Barking and Dagenham, one of London’s highest-crime boroughs

Police are urgently appealing for the public’s help to find 36-year-old Matthew, who has been missing from his Dagenham home since 21 May 2025, as reported by Poppy Huggett of the Barking and Dagenham Post.

What do we know about Matthew’s disappearance?

Matthew was last seen at his residence in Dagenham two days ago. According to the Metropolitan Police, he is described as a white male, around 5ft 9in tall, with dark coloured hair. His disappearance has triggered an urgent appeal from authorities, who are increasingly concerned for his wellbeing.

What have police said about the case?

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police stated, as reported by Poppy Huggett of the Barking and Dagenham Post:

“Can you help us find 36-year-old Matthew?
He was last seen in Dagenham on 21/05/25.
Matthew is a white male, approximately 5 foot 9, with dark coloured hair.
If you have any information on Matthew’s whereabouts, please call 999 with the reference number: 01/7517033/25.”

What is the local context for missing persons in Dagenham?

Barking and Dagenham has faced several concerning missing person cases over the past year, including 12-year-old Oscar in September 2024 and 38-year-old Daryl Okosi earlier in 2025. The borough also has a higher-than-average crime rate, with 123 crimes per 1,000 people recorded in 2023 — 18% above the London average. This environment adds complexity to missing persons investigations.

Are missing person cases common in the UK?

Yes. According to the UK’s Missing People charity and the National Crime Agency:

• One person is reported missing every 90 seconds in the UK.
• Over 170,000 individuals are reported missing each year.
• Most children (81%) are found within 24 hours, and 91% within two days.
• For adults, 77% are located within 24 hours, and 87% within two days.

Matthew’s disappearance now crosses the two-day threshold, adding urgency to the police’s public appeal.

What should the public do if they have information?

Anyone who may have seen Matthew or who has information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact police immediately. The reference number to quote is 01/7517033/25, and calls should be made to 999.

How does this case relate to other historical cases?

Barking and Dagenham is no stranger to long-term missing cases. Mary Flanagan, a 16-year-old from nearby West Ham, vanished on New Year’s Eve in 1959. Her disappearance remains one of the oldest unresolved cases in Metropolitan Police records.

Why is media attribution important?

This article is based on reporting by Poppy Huggett, Senior Reporter at the Barking and Dagenham Post, ensuring full and proper attribution of all direct statements and content to avoid legal issues and maintain journalistic integrity.