A coordinated search is under way in the Vale of Glamorgan after Lee Butler, 36, was reported missing from Staffordshire on May 26 and is thought to be in the Ogmore-by-Sea area. South Wales Police and rescue services are asking the public to come forward with any information.
The search for Lee Butler, a 36-year-old man reported missing from Staffordshire, has shifted to the south Wales coast after officers received information suggesting he travelled to the Ogmore-by-Sea area. According to police, the report initially recorded that he was missing on Tuesday (May 26), and since then a multi-agency effort has been launched to locate him.
Local residents and witnesses have reported seeing enhanced activity along the shoreline and nearby countryside as authorities use aerial and marine assets to cover difficult terrain. The public are being urged to check any information they might have and to pass it to the relevant services to assist the ongoing operation.
Details of the missing person and how to help
Authorities have published a description to help identify Lee Butler. He is described as being around 5ft 7ins tall, of medium build, and notably having a full sleeve tattoo on one arm.
These identifying features have been circulated to local teams and shared with community groups in the area to increase chances of recognition.
Anyone who believes they have seen Lee or who may hold information relevant to his whereabouts is asked to contact South Wales Police. When speaking to officers, members of the public should quote occurrence number 2600166222 to ensure information is linked to the correct investigation. Calls can be made via the non-emergency number 101 or through the police force’s online contact channels.
Anonymous reporting options
For those who prefer to remain anonymous, information can be provided to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. This independent charity allows people to pass on tips without revealing their identity, which can be crucial in fast-moving searches where even small pieces of information may help.
Search methods and local response
People living near Ogmore-by-Sea have reported that a helicopter and several drones were deployed to sweep both coastal and inland areas, expanding visual coverage beyond what ground teams can achieve alone. In addition, accounts from observers suggest that RNLI lifeboats were active along the coastline, supporting the maritime dimension of the search.
The use of varied assets reflects a standard multi-layered approach in missing-person operations: aerial units help cover wide terrain, drones provide close-range visual feed in difficult spots, and lifeboats or marine teams check shoreline and nearshore zones that are otherwise hard to access. Together, these resources are intended to increase the probability of a timely and safe outcome.
Community involvement and safety reminders
Local residents have been advised to stay vigilant but to avoid undertaking risky searches themselves in hazardous conditions. If you spot someone matching the description or see anything unusual, report it to the police rather than approaching the person. The priority for emergency services is a safe, coordinated response that protects both the missing individual and community members.
Communication channels and media notices
South Wales Police is leading public appeals and has released images and descriptions through media outlets and social platforms to widen the net of awareness. Press and community bulletins emphasize the value of timely tips and the specific occurrence number so that incoming information can be rapidly assessed and triaged.
The force has also recommended that anyone with digital evidence—such as dashcam footage, CCTV clips, or mobile phone recordings—that could be relevant should preserve those files and provide them to investigators via the officially recommended contact routes. Such material can be crucial in establishing movements and timelines.
What to do if you have information
If you have seen a man matching the description of Lee Butler in or around Ogmore-by-Sea, please get in touch with South Wales Police immediately by calling 101 or using the force’s online reporting tools and quoting occurrence number 2600166222. You can also provide anonymous intelligence to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Any detail, however small, may help the ongoing enquiries.
Police and rescue teams continue to work with local partners as the search continues. Members of the public are asked to monitor official channels for verified updates and to respect any cordons or operational directions provided by emergency personnel while the response is in progress.
