A POTENTIAL text lifeline for vulnerable missing people is being set up after an agreement between police and a national charity.

Durham Constabulary today (Thursday) signed up to the TextSafe service devised by the charity Missing People, which has for the last 20 years provided support, advice and practical help to anyone who has run away, gone missing or been forced to leave home.

Any officer dealing with such an incident can simply email Missing People to ask for a text to be sent directly to the mobile phone of the vulnerable person or child.

By informing them of the services provided by Missing People, they can choose to contact the charity and access the various options to them.

As the message comes directly from Missing People, those who might hesitate to contact the police can get help from a ‘neutral’ and confidential charity.

It costs the police nothing to register for TextSafe or to use it. It is also free for the missing person to call and text even if they have no credit on their phone.

Detective Superintendent Paul Goundry, head of safeguarding for Durham Constabulary, said: “The vast majority of people reported missing in our area are usually traced fit and well within a relatively short space of time.

“But for those who may be at real risk of harm, this service is a very valuable addition to our toolkit.

“We will be encouraging our staff to ask Missing People to send a TextSafe message in appropriate cases. It is a way of reaching out to offer help, and it could prevent a tragedy.”