North Sussex Search Team has been providing a service to the community of Sussex since its formation in 2006. The main function of the Team is to assist Sussex Police in the search for vulnerable missing persons, such as children and the elderly.
A good example of this was shown on BBC TV's "Missing - Live" programme on 1st May 2008, when it featured our successful search for the missing autistic man, Martin Shier, at Burgess Hill in July 2007. Team Leader Paul Thayre was interviewed about how his attention was drawn by a team member to what initially looked like a bundle of clothing under a bush. As Paul approached and called Martin's name he stirred and was soon taken to hospital, cold and dehydrated but otherwise well after 7 days out in the open.
In Summer 2008 we assisted the Police in a search at Angmering Park, associated with a crime enquiry. Later the same day we were involved in the urgent search for a vulnerable missing person at Fletching, who sadly was found deceased by one of our teams. In September 2008 we were called out to search for a missing elderly man in Sullington. January 2009 saw us being called out to help search for a missing fisherman at Wineham. The Police Specialist Dive Team found his body in the River Adur while we were searching the banks and surrounding countryside. In March we were called out to look for a vulnerable young man in Horsham, though the search was stood down just as we were about to be deployed.
In September 2009 we were activated to search for a 70 year old man missing overnight near Partridge Green. Thankfully he was found safe and well by the Sussex Police helicopter just as we deployed two teams of searchers. Our first call out in 2010 was on 16th February but again the helicopter beat us to it. A few days later we were called down to Hastings, where 65 searchers looked for a missing autistic male.
During September and October 2011 we were called out four times, to Bognor Regis, Ashurst Wood, and near Midhurst and Crawley. In each case the combined volunteer search resources and the police, working together, successfully located all four missing persons.
Why search?
Each year as many as 5,000 people are reported missing in Sussex. Happily most are soon found safe and well. However, in some cases a person may be vulnerable, and a large number of trained people are needed quickly to help support the police in a systematic search.
The Search team is available 365 days of the year to search for vulnerable missing persons. The team mainly covers Mid and North Sussex including the Horsham area, having a close relationship with Sussex Police and responding to their requests. The team also assists other SAR (Search and Rescue) teams within Sussex and adjoining Counties in large scale or prolonged searches. Meridian News visited one of our recent search exercises and produced this report.
Most importantly, as in Martin's case above, our volunteers can help to save a life. If you feel you could spare time to become a volunteer, check out the FAQs then find out how to join.
You can also download a leaflet about us here (Adobe PDF).
Below is a video produced by Sussex Police on a recent search exercise.
Content is copyright © 2008-2011 North Sussex Search Team.
North Sussex Search Team operates in partnership with Sussex Police and Neighbourhood Watch.
