River searches by divers as frantic family search for missing Nathan Cole

The family of missing Nathan Cole have made fresh appeals for help to find the 32-year-old – handing out leaflets two weeks after his disappearance.

It comes in a week where divers, sonar equipment and police dogs have been used in a search of an area known as the Wild Marshes in Walthamstow – an area covering the River Lea, Pymmes Brook, a canal and reservoirs. 

Nathan, who is from the Notting Hill area and who has family in South London, was last seen on CCTV in Banbury Road, Walthamstow, near to the Banbury Reservoir, at around 11.15pm on Saturday, January 21.

Nathan’s family said in a statement: “The two-week anniversary appeal was an opportunity for us to interact with the local community members who spend their time in the area where Nathan was last seen.

“It was an emotional evening for us, but we really appreciated the time and support given to us by passers-by. 

“Everyone we met was open to hearing our story and motivated to help in any way possible. We just hope that the story of Nathan’s disappearance continues to resonate with those who might have any information. 

“It’s completely agonising, not knowing whether or not Nathan is going to walk through the door and come back to us. We continue to hope that Nathan is still alive.”

On Saturday, Nathan’s family and friends joined uniformed and plain-clothed officers in a two-week appeal in the area of Banbury Reservoir and the Wild Marshes. 

During the event, leaflets were handed out to people inside the park, many of whom were young people en-route to entertainment venues in the area.  

Volunteers from the London Lowlands Search and Rescue joined specialist search officers in searching the area. Specialist policing units are in the process of reviewing hours’ worth of CCTV in the hope of gaining evidence pointing to Nathan’s location. 

The family have also released a list of items that they believe were in Nathan’s possession when he went missing. These include black headphones, a DJI Mini 2 drone with remote, a black shiny leather wallet, gloves which have the fingers cut off and glasses (as seen in image of Nathan). 

Officers are encouraging anyone who may have seen or found these items to contact them. 

Detective Inspector Fiona Van Kampen said: ‘’Nathan is a young man who appears to have vanished without a trace. Someone, somewhere must know what happened to him.

“He is very close to his parents and siblings and we have been working closely together with Nathan’s family, who have been invaluable in progressing the investigation. 

“I would like to renew our appeal to any members of the public who may have seen Nathan since his disappearance in the night of January 21 into 22, or who may have come across any of the possessions he had with him that night.’’ 

Anyone who sees Nathan should call 999. Anyone with other information can call 101, giving the reference 23MIS002577. Information can also be provided to the Missing People charity on 116 000. 

Pictured top: Nathan Cole (Picture: The Met)