Kent Police Appeal for Help Locating 15-Year-Old Estelle Howard Missing from Dartford
Kent Police are urging the public to assist in finding 15-year-old Estelle Howard, who was last seen in Dartford on Sunday morning and is believed to have travelled to Hitchin in Hertfordshire.
The hunt is on across two counties. Kent Police have launched a public appeal to locate missing teenager Estelle Howard from Dartford, last seen around 10:30am on Sunday, 10 May 2026, in the town centre.
Police reckon the 15-year-old has travelled roughly 30 miles north to the Hitchin area of Hertfordshire. That’s quite a trek – typically involving the M25 and A1(M) motorways.
The Search Expands Beyond Kent
Kent Police’s Dartford team is leading the investigation but they’re working alongside Hertfordshire Police as the search crosses county lines. Standard practice when missing persons cases don’t stick to neat territorial boundaries.
Sunday morning in Dartford. Fewer witnesses about than you’d get on a weekday.
But officers remain hopeful someone, somewhere, has seen something that could bring Estelle home safely.
The Numbers Behind Missing Person Cases
Missing person appeals are more common than many Kent residents realise – the county recorded 2,847 missing person reports in 2024/25. The reassuring bit? 98% ended with people being found safe and well.
Nationally, around 85% of missing children cases across England and Wales get resolved within 24 hours, records show. But every case is different. And every hour counts when a young person is unaccounted for.
How the Public Can Help
Police want anyone with information to come forward immediately. Seen Estelle? Got details about her whereabouts? Contact Kent Police directly on 01474 702200 for this specific case.
Alternatively, call 101 for non-emergencies, or 999 if you believe there’s immediate danger.
Key Takeaways
- 15-year-old Estelle Howard has been missing from Dartford since Sunday morning at 10:30am
- She’s believed to have travelled to the Hitchin area of Hertfordshire, around 30 miles away
- Kent Police are working with Hertfordshire Police on the cross-county search
What This Means for Kent Residents
Dartford residents should stay alert and check any CCTV footage or dashcam recordings from Sunday morning that might show Estelle’s movements. Were you in the area or travelling through Dartford on Sunday – especially around the town centre? Police want to hear from you even if you reckon your information might not be relevant. Contact Kent Police on 01474 702200 with any details about this case, or call 101 for general enquiries. Your observation could be the key to bringing Estelle home safely.
Source: @kent_police
Published: 12 May 2026