Police have put up a £10,000 reward for information regarding a teenager who vanished nearly 17 years ago. Alexander Sloley, from Islington, north London, was just 16 when he went missing in August 2008 and has not been heard from since by his family or friends.

The accountancy student at City and Islington College had little money, no wallet and no bag with extra clothes to suggest he planned to run away, according to previous police statements. He was described as a light-skinned black male, 5ft 5ins tall, of medium build with striking blue eyes.

Detective Chief Inspector Sarb Kaur, leading the investigation, said: "Alex was reported missing to police on August 8 2008. Since then there have been extensive enquiries made by police but sadly Alex has not yet been found. We are now offering a reward of up to £10,000 for anyone who has information relating to Alex's whereabouts."

The detective emphasised that this remains an active missing person investigation, subject to regular review by senior officers, with the aim of locating Alex and bringing some comfort to his family. She said: "We have recently met with Alex's mother to outline how we intend to progress our investigation to find him."

She urged: "I would ask anyone with information who could help to please get in contact immediately, no matter how insignificant you think this could be."

In 2019, police released an e-fit of what Alex may have looked like aged 27 as part of a reopening of the investigation. Nerissa Tivy was overcome with emotion upon viewing the adult e-fit image of her son, Alex. She expressed her feelings, saying, "It's a great picture of Alex and of how he might possibly look like now. Then you try to put a body to it and how he might be dressed and looking."

Recounting his style, she noted, "He was quite a slick dresser, my son, he wasn't scruffy."

The enduring uncertainty weighs heavily on her as she reflected, "There's no closure to this and, with all the appeals and knowing your child would not just run away, you start thinking something terrible has happened to him," further expressing her longing, "I would love to see him walk through the door."

Authorities had previously revisited individuals connected to Alex's case in 2019, but despite renewed efforts, Det Con Tom Boon admitted, "The hope is he is safe and well and somehow has managed to stay off the radar in terms of using bank accounts, passports, that sort of thing."

He acknowledged the growing concern over time, stating, "As time goes on it becomes more and more concerning, although there's no proof of harm."

In a renewed plea for assistance, police are urging the public to come forward with any knowledge regarding Alexander's mysterious disappearance, providing contact information at 07860 369603 or the option to reach out anonymously through Crimestoppers.