Robert Williams vanished from his home in Resolven, Neath, on 22 March 2002 at the age of 15. Nearly a quarter-century later, his mother Cheryl has renewed her appeal for information as he would have turned 40, hoping that someone with knowledge of his disappearance will finally come forward.
The teenager attended a party in the nearby village of Aberdulais the day after he went missing, but despite sustained police investigation and repeated public appeals over more than two decades, he has never been found. According to South Wales Police's 2025 appeal, Robert had been missing for almost exactly 23 years at the time of the latest public call for witnesses.
Cheryl described the relentless emotional toll of her son's absence.
Every minute of every day I think about Robert.She appealed to anyone holding information, no matter how insignificant it might seem.
Every day I wonder what happened and every day I hope for answers. I cannot begin to explain the sadness and emptiness I feel inside.
She expressed what the family has lost through his absence.
Cheryl said the family would have "loved nothing more than to celebrate our son, brother, grandson, nephew and uncle's upcoming 40th birthday with him".
We only wish we could have seen what man Robert would have become and wish he could see the incredible young man who is so proud to call Robert his brother. Rob would have adored his nephew and niece, who he never got the chance to meet.
What do police believe happened?
In 2011, South Wales Police concluded their initial inquiries and stated that the most likely outcome was that Robert had died sometime after his disappearance. However, the case has remained open, and police have continued to pursue leads. According to a 2021 police feature, there was information suggesting Robert may have spent the next few days in the Aberdulais area following his disappearance.
Detective Chief Inspector Danielle Thorne acknowledged the extraordinary burden carried by Cheryl over the decades.
Robert's mother Cheryl has been through over two decades of anguish and frustration that no information has led to the discovery of what happened to Robert. We cannot begin to adequately understand how difficult this ordeal has been to her.
She described the investigation's history.
The investigation has seen numerous leads and tip-offs which have all, devastatingly, come to nothing. However, we still harbour hope that somebody who knows exactly what happened to Robert will come forward and bring the search to an end.
What happened with recent arrests?
In September 2023, South Wales Police arrested a 59-year-old woman and a 35-year-old man in connection with Robert's disappearance, raising hopes that a breakthrough might finally be imminent. However, according to a police statement in February 2025, no further action would be taken against either suspect, meaning the case remains unsolved.
What was Robert wearing when he disappeared?
Police have maintained a detailed description of Robert's appearance on the day he vanished. He was wearing a red and navy jumper, black t-shirt, navy Adidas tracksuit bottoms, a navy Adidas jacket and Ellesse-make navy canvas shoes. This description has been included in every subsequent appeal to help anyone who may have encountered him in the days or weeks following his disappearance.
Who has supported the investigation?
Cheryl expressed her gratitude to the officers who have dedicated themselves to finding her son.
Cheryl expressed her "sincere gratitude and appreciation" to recently retired Det Insp Dai Butt for "never giving up on trying to find Robert and for his support throughout the investigation".
She also highlighted the role of another key officer.
One of the other most important people in this investigation has been PC Sam Phillips. Thank you for all the support, kindness, and compassion that you have given me over the years. The best police officer who has helped me through the most terrible time in my life.
How can people provide information?
South Wales Police continues to appeal for anyone with information about Robert's disappearance to come forward. Members of the public can contact the force via its online reporting form or provide anonymous information through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The police reference number for the case is 2300271756. Anyone with even the smallest detail about Robert's movements after 22 March 2002, or knowledge of what happened to him, is urged to contact investigators without delay.
The case has been renewed on significant anniversaries, including the 20th anniversary in March 2022, and police have indicated their commitment to pursuing any credible leads that emerge. For Cheryl and her family, the search for answers continues as they mark what would have been Robert's 40th birthday.
