Police have increased a reward to £20,000 for any information that could help locate Alexander Sloley, who disappeared from north London in August 2008, days before his 17th birthday. His family has had no contact with him since.
Alexander, described as a light-skinned Black male, 5 feet 5 inches tall, of medium build, with distinctive blue eyes, was reportedly being exploited and coerced into criminal activity by gangs in the area at the time of his disappearance. Authorities hope the increased reward, up from £10,000 offered last March, will encourage individuals who may have been similarly exploited by North London gangs around 2008 to come forward.
At the time of his disappearance, Alexander, an accountancy student at City and Islington College, had little money, no wallet, and no bag with extra clothing, suggesting he was not planning to run away, police previously stated. An investigation was launched on August 8, 2008, after his family and friends reported him missing.
Investigators reviewed hundreds of CCTV clips and made public appeals, leading to numerous reported sightings over the years, none of which proved fruitful. In 2019, as part of a reopening of the investigation, police released an e-fit image depicting how Alexander might have looked at age 27.
Detective Chief Inspector Sarb Kaur, leading the investigation, emphasized the ongoing efforts to find Alexander and support his family, who have sought answers for 18 years. Kaur stated that police are seeking to speak with anyone who was exploited by gangs in North London around 2008 and may have seen Alexander or have relevant information. He assured that individuals providing information will not be in trouble but may hold crucial details.
"Over time allegiances can change and we hope that the offer of this substantial reward could help someone with information to come forward," Kaur said. He added that the image of Alexander, both from his disappearance and an estimation of his current appearance at age 34, is being shared in the hope that someone may recognize him.
Alexander's mother, Nerissa Tivy, previously described the e-fit of her son as an adult as emotional, noting his stylish appearance. She expressed a lack of closure and a deep concern that something terrible may have happened to him, stating, "I would love to see him walk through the door."
In 2019, individuals previously questioned in connection with the disappearance were re-interviewed. At that time, detectives stated there was no evidence Alexander had been harmed or that his case was linked to other incidents. Detective Constable Tom Boon expressed hope that Alexander was safe and had managed to remain off the grid without using bank accounts or passports, acknowledging the increasing concern over time despite the absence of proof of harm.
Those with information are urged to contact the investigation team directly by phone or text at 07860 369 603, or via 101 or online. Information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.