Cheshire: Emotional plea from family of missing man James Miller

James Miller was last seen three days before Christmas – on CCTV at around 11pm on Tuesday, December 22, 2020.

The much-missed dad, son, brother and uncle left his family home on Slater Street in Latchford and has not been seen since.

While almost three years have passed since the then-37-year-old mechanic’s disappearance, James’ family has not given up hope in finding him, and they hold onto the possibility of him walking through the door every day.

Three years on from him going missing, James’ sister Emma has given an update on the investigation to find him and explained just how difficult this time of year is for his family.

“Unfortunately, there haven’t been any updates on James, only the potential sightings that police have mentioned and looked into previously,” she explained

James has been missing for the past three years

“This time of the year is now extremely difficult – the kids are getting older and missing uncle James more and more, as well as us adults. It is hard to understand where James is.

“Christmas has always been a big family get-together, and even though Christmas was a difficult time for James, he had us, and we always had the best Christmas.

“The only reason we carry on now is for our children, as it just isn't the same without James here – avoiding the sprouts and playing games with the kids.”

Emma says James has missed so much in the years since he has disappeared.

These include a new niece, the achievements his nephews and nieces have been achieving, and big birthdays including his 40th.

“We would have celebrated his birthday massively,” Emma said.

James' sisters Emma and Catherine

“Just so much of life he hasn't been here to share with us all.”

Warrington’s most heartbreaking and highest-profile missing person, James’ case was recently broadcast on national TV.

Emma appeared on Channel 5’s Vanished: The Hunt for Britain's Missing People, in a bid to appeal to anyone with any information to get in touch with Cheshire Police.

Despite not knowing if it has bore fruit in getting new leads, James’ family hope that it will help to keep him in the minds of people in Warrington and further afield.

Emma continued: “We hold on to the hope that someone somewhere may notice him thanks to the program.

“It has been a massive help, and just being able to get James’s face out there to the wider community has really given us some hope.

A huge appeal for information has been launched to find James

Addressing James directly, I he is reading, Emma added: “We love and miss you so much.

“I truly hope you are safe and well and having the time of your life, wherever you may be.

“Just give us a message to let us know.”

When asked if there is anything residents can do to help, Emma said: “Think back to that time, do you remember anything?

“Help us keep James Miller's face fresh out there for all to see – keep his name out there.

“We will be holding a candlelight vigilant at Victoria Park in Latchford today, Friday.

James Miller with his sister Emma

“Anyone can go anytime of the day to light a candle to help guide James home, and at 7pm we will be lighting the lanterns and light up the world with our in-person and virtual light-up.

“Let’s help guide James home to us.”

Despite a thorough investigation into his disappearance and an extensive appeal made by his family and friends, James has never been seen since.

At the time he went missing James was wearing a white t-shirt and grey jogging bottoms.

He is described as 5'8" tall with bright blue eyes, of a medium build and with a distinctive scar on the side of his head.

DI David Schofield, of Cheshire Police, said: “Christmas time is supposed to be a time to celebrate and get together with family and friends.

CCTV of James Miller leaving his home

“Sadly, for James’ family, it also marks the anniversary of his disappearance, making it a particularly difficult time of year.

“Although we have conducted extensive enquiries since James went missing, we have still been unable to establish his whereabouts.

“Therefore, this remains an active investigation and we will continue to act on any new information that could lead to James being found.

“I would continue to urge the public to think back to the time around when James went missing and if they think they have any information, no matter how big or small, please get in touch with us.

“I also want to repeat my thanks to the members of the public who have continued to do all they can to raise awareness of James’s disappearance and provide support and hope to his family.”

Anyone who may have information is asked to contact Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or via www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us, quoting IML 880492.