Boys praised for help finding missing Sittingbourne teenager

Four schoolboys have been praised for their help finding a missing teenager in Sittingbourne.

Officers had been carrying out enquiries in the area of Highsted Road after receiving a report that a vulnerable child had gone missing at around 4.20pm on Thursday 2 July 2026.

Search

Officers attended chalk pits near the road, but dense woodland and access made it a difficult area to search.

Fortunately, passing schoolboys told the search party they had seen a girl deep in the quarry and led the officers to the teenager’s location.

She was uninjured but passed into the care of medical professionals as a precaution. 

Awards

PC Frazer Harris commended the boys, who study at The Sittingbourne School, and later visited their class to award them Upstander Awards for their efforts.

Kent Police gives these accolades to pupils that demonstrate exceptional bravery, sympathy or support for their community.

PC Harris said:

‘These boys were a massive help in finding a vulnerable missing person and made what might have been a difficult area search into a very easy one. ‘Had they not been there and provided that assistance, the outcome could have been very different. ‘They are a credit to themselves and their school, and they should rightly be proud of themselves.’

The Sittingbourne School’s Headteacher, Nick Smith, said:

‘When it really mattered Will, Archie, Jack and Charlie showed great character and did all they could to help someone in need. ‘We couldn't be prouder of the boys here at The Sittingbourne School.’