Questions raised over Army's two-week delay to alert police over missing soldier

A defence source has confirmed that missing soldier LCpl Ryan Rudd was not on annual leave at the time of his disappearance more than a fortnight ago, and was expected on duty 24 hours after a fellow soldier saw the 28-year-old for the final time.

BFBS Forces News has also confirmed that LCpl Rudd's unit, the 1st Battalion, Royal Yorkshire Regiment, was deployed on exercise but that LCpl Rudd was not participating in it; instead, he was a member of a "rear party" based at Catterick Garrison.

Ryan was last seen in the early hours of 15 February in Selby, North Yorkshire, having been out with friends on the evening of Valentine's Day. Police launched an urgent appeal earlier this week after a missing person report was made by a member of the Armed Forces.

Separately, a non-military friend of the missing Lance Corporal told BFBS Forces News that Ryan’s disappearance was "completely unlike him".

North Yorkshire Police launched a public appeal to help trace Ryan on Monday, saying they were "very concerned for his safety".

It is unclear why the commander responsible for the rear party activities at 1 R YORKS failed to raise the alarm as soon as it became clear Ryan was missing from his duties. The defence source said that enquiries as to why his absence was not flagged were "being looked into".

Ryan is described as white, around 5ft 8in tall, of slim build with dark brown hair. He was wearing a black t-shirt, blue hoodie, and black trousers when he was last seen.

Police urge anyone with information to contact them by dialling 101 and quoting the reference number 12260037725.

Previously, an Army spokesperson said: "We can confirm that Lance Corporal Ryan Rudd was reported missing to North Yorkshire Police on 1 March 2026.

"An investigation is underway and we are working with North Yorkshire Police who are leading this. We are unable to offer further detail at this time."