Family in emotional plea to people of Preston to help find missing 23-year-old son

Siddharth Murkumbi, 23, had been studying at UCLAN before disappearing on Sunday (March 15).

Known as Sid to family and friends, the 23-year-old had moved 5,000 miles from India to Preston in June 2019 to take an MBA in Marketing Studies at UCLAN.

Speaking to the Lancashire Post, his father Shankar Murkumbi said the family is frantic with worry for his welfare.

From their family home in India, he has made an emotional plea for his son to get in touch and let them know that he is safe.

"Sid, this is a message from your Papa and Maa.

"You need to begin life afresh, leaving behind the past.

"Contact Papa or Maa immediately.

"They are shocked and deep in grief, desperately waiting to hear from you.

"Nothing is more precious than you."

Mr Murkumbi said he had last spoken to his son at around 7pm (12.30 AM in India) on Sunday, March 15.

"Sid had been in regular contact with his family after moving to Preston", said his father.

"Every day, between 7pm and 8pm, Sid would phone us and talk about things.

"He has no family in the UK and didn't have any friends in any other cities that we know of.

"He it is also not possible that he travelled abroad because his passport was found back in his room.

"It's out of character for him and we are very worried for him."

His father said Siddharth had seemed happy in Preston prior to his disappearance.

"He seems to be happy to his parents based on whatever phone talks we used to have.

"He never disappeared like this before in his 23 years of age.

"If people in Preston have seen Sid or know where he is, please contact me immediately and also inform local police."

Lancashire Police believe he may have travelled to Preston Docks before going missing.

The force said it is "very concerned" for his welfare and are urging anyone who might have seen him to come forward.

PC Iann Skillander, of Lancashire Police, said: "We are worried about Siddharth’s disappearance and would urge anyone who has seen him or knows where he is to come forward.

"Furthermore, I would ask Siddharth, if he sees this appeal, to come forward and let us know he is OK."

Murkumbi is described as Asian, of stocky build with blonde hair and a beard.

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting log number 1362 of March 15.