Lee Boxell’s father appeals for answers 38 years after son vanished in Cheam

Peter Boxell has made a fresh public appeal for information about his son Lee, who disappeared from Cheam 38 years ago. Lee, then 15, left his home in Sutton on 10 September 1988 to meet a friend and never returned. His father appeared on ITV’s This Morning on 3 August 2026 to urge anyone with knowledge to contact police.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed the investigation remains active within its cold-case team. Detectives have long suspected Lee may have been killed after intervening in or reporting an assault at an unofficial youth club held in the grounds of St Dunstan’s Church. The theory suggests Lee witnessed an incident that led to his death, though no suspects have been publicly named.

Family left in limbo for nearly four decades

Peter Boxell described the family’s ordeal as a “worst nightmare” during the television interview. He said they spent weeks unable to sleep, fearing they might miss a call or knock at the door if Lee returned. For years, the family kept Lee’s bedroom exactly as he left it, hoping he would one day walk back in.

When asked how the family had coped, Peter said they had been “essentially living in limbo”. He added, “We desperately want to know what happened to him.” He told presenters Josie Gibson and Paddy McGuinness that he believes the police theory is correct. Peter thinks Lee attended the youth club at the back of St Dunstan’s Church and may have seen something that led to his death.

Peter suggested those responsible may have killed Lee unintentionally. He did not name any individuals but said he believes the truth could still emerge. The Met echoed his call, stating in a statement read on the programme, “We’ve never stopped our investigation into what happened to Lee. It remains ongoing within the Met’s cold case team.”

What happens next

The Metropolitan Police’s cold-case team is currently reviewing the investigation. Officers have urged anyone who previously felt unable to speak to come forward, whether anonymously or otherwise. The force has not set a timeline for the review’s completion but confirmed the case remains a priority.

Peter Boxell said he does not know if the review will uncover new evidence but remains hopeful. He asked anyone with information to contact police, emphasising that even small details could help resolve the case. The family continues to seek answers about Lee’s fate and the location of his remains.