MORE than 7,000 people were reported missing to police last year, a Freedom of Information (FOI) request has shown.

Last year, a total of 7,079 people were reported missing to Devon & Cornwall Police, the FOI request shows.

The vast majority, some 7,057, were found alive and well.

Unfortunately, 19 were found dead.

Three people remain missing.

There were over 1,000 more missing person reports in 2024 than 2023.

In 2023, 5,900 people were reported missing, with 5,873 being found alive and well, 24 dead and three remaining missing.

Certain people are more at risk of going missing than others.

This may be due to their situation, for example: children or young people in care; someone with dementia; someone suffering from mental health issues and members of the Armed Forces.