TRAIN operator c2c has joined forces with a missing person’s charity in a bid to help find some of the 170,000 people reported missing every year in the UK.

c2c says missing people are drawn to public transport as a way out of difficult situations.

Meanwhile County Line gangs use trains to move vulnerable young people around the country to sell or transport drugs, with children as young as 11 turning to crime to help their families in the cost-of-living crisis.

The partnership with charity Missing People, on the Safeguarding Briefing Network (SBN), means briefings containing intelligence can be sent to c2c staff who may come into contact with the person.

A spokesman for c2c said: “With 26 stations across our 45-mile route, c2c sees millions of passengers each year.

“Joining the charity’s network increases the chance of finding missing people, and builds on the operator’s focus on safeguarding and security, as well as collaboration with British Transport Police.

“Someone is reported missing every 90 seconds in the UK, with 170,000 people reported missing every year.

“Many missing people are drawn to public transport as a way out of their current situation, as well County Line gangs using the transport network to move vulnerable young people around the UK to sell and transport drugs. And as the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact families, children as young as 11 are now turning to crime to support their families, stay warm and put food on the table.”

They added: “Once c2c receives notification of a missing person through the SBN, the teams of station and mobile security staff are briefed on who to look out for, and guided on what to do if the missing person is seen.

“This can be interacting with the person to let them know they have been reported missing, and passing them details of Missing People to contact them directly if they want to.

“If that isn’t appropriate for any reason, staff can report the sighting back to Missing People to look for other ways to help.

“Deployment on the c2c network is already underway, with missing people already identified on the route.”

As well as the network, Missing People offers support to people thinking about disappearing, via a free, confidential Helpline on 116 000 .