Officers ‘extremely concerned’ for Daniel Williams, who has not been seen since Thursday

This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

Police have said they are extremely concerned after the search for a missing University of Reading student entered its fourth day.

An air and land search for Daniel Williams, 19, was continuing after he failed to return to his student accommodation in the early hours of Thursday.

The second-year computer science student was last seen at about midnight in a student union bar on Whiteknights campus at the university, Thames Valley police said.

In a statement released on Sunday, Supt Jim Weems said Williams’ disappearance was “completely out of character”.

He added: “We remain open-minded as to the circumstances behind Daniel’s disappearance, but naturally, as the search enters its fourth day, our concern for him is growing.

“I would like to appeal to Daniel directly, if he sees this, please make contact with Thames Valley police or your family. You are not in any trouble, but we want to ensure you are safe and well.”

On Thursday, the lowest temperature in the UK for seven years was recorded as snowy and icy weather continued.

Williams’ family, from Sutton in south London, were being supported by officers and had arranged leaflet drops.

Volunteers from the Berkshire Lowland search and rescue team, Thames Valley police and the National Police Air Service were conducting the search.

George Dorett, a friend of Williams, shared a link on his Facebook page to help find the student. “My mate Daniel Williams has gone missing. First mate I had at Reading uni. If anyone hears of anything please report it to the Thames Valley Police ASAP.”

Another friend, Tom Luckham, posted a map on Twitter of the possible routes Williams may have taken from 3sixty, a student bar, with the caption: “We’re all worried. Please share.”

Williams had been wearing jeans, black shoes and a black hooded top over a black T-shirt. He is described as 6ft tall, slim, with short, light-brown hair and blue eyes.