Residents were urged to contact police immediately if there are concerns about the safety or wellbeing of someone believed to be missing.

The Bermuda Police Service said that there is no need to wait 48 hours to file a report “particularly in the case of a minor or someone whose mental or emotional state may be compromised”.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Martin Weekes explained: “It has come to our attention via social media posts, that some members of the community are of the belief that a certain period of time must elapse before they are able to file a missing person’s report.

“That is simply not so.

“We urge that should you have concerns about the whereabouts of an individual and fear for their safety or wellbeing, please get in contact with the Bermuda Police Service right away.”

He added: “While each situation will be addressed according to its specific merit, it is important that information about individuals who have gone missing be immediately provided to the police in order to minimise any risk to that individual, by ensuring that they are located in the shortest possible time.

“We are grateful to the community for their continued support in providing information when we issue appeals for assistance in locating individuals who have been reported missing.”