London, UK — In a development that could rewrite one of Britain’s most baffling missing persons mysteries, newly released police files have revealed the existence of never-before-seen CCTV footage capturing 14-year-old Andrew Gosden on a London Underground train in September 2007 — just moments before he disappeared without a trace.
The files, uncovered during a routine evidence review, show a nine-second clip that investigators had never publicly acknowledged. The footage has stunned both police and Andrew’s family, who have campaigned tirelessly for answers over the past 18 years.
The Mysterious Footage
According to the documents, the CCTV segment was recorded minutes after Andrew left King’s Cross station, where he had been last officially seen on camera purchasing a single ticket to London after secretly leaving his home in Doncaster.
The newly uncovered clip reportedly shows Andrew boarding a Circle Line train, alone, wearing the distinctive black T-shirt and jeans described in initial reports.
But the shocking part lies in what happens during the nine seconds:
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Andrew appears to look over his shoulder twice, as if someone is following him.
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He then shifts nervously in his seat, clutching his bag tighter.
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Just before the clip ends, an unidentified man steps briefly into the frame, partially obscured by a pole, standing near Andrew before walking out of view.
Police have not confirmed the man’s identity.
Why Was This Hidden?
The revelation has ignited outrage among missing persons advocates and Andrew’s family. Questions are being asked about why this CCTV was never disclosed publicly or even mentioned in past appeals.
“We are horrified that this footage has only now come to light,” Andrew’s father, Kevin Gosden, told reporters. “If the public had seen this years ago, perhaps someone would have recognized the man near Andrew. Time has been wasted, and our son has been missing for 18 years.”
Investigators Respond
The Metropolitan Police issued a statement late Tuesday, confirming the footage exists and is now under forensic review.
“While this discovery is deeply concerning, it offers new opportunities,” said Detective Inspector Claire Hammond. “We are enhancing the nine-second clip using modern video analysis tools and will release images of the unidentified male as soon as possible.”
The discovery has prompted Scotland Yard to reopen parts of the case, with detectives now re-examining Underground staff records, passenger manifests, and any potential links to known offenders operating in central London at the time.
Experts Weigh In
Former Scotland Yard detective Peter Bleksley described the revelation as “a game-changer.”
“If Andrew looked behind him twice, it suggests he may have been aware of someone following him. The unidentified male could be central to this case. Eighteen years later, it is unacceptable this detail has remained hidden in files.”
The 18-Year Pain
Andrew Gosden, described as a gifted student with a passion for music and mathematics, vanished on September 14, 2007 after skipping school and secretly taking a train from Doncaster to London. Despite national appeals, sightings, and even arrests linked to potential suspects, no trace of Andrew has ever been confirmed.
His family’s anguish has only deepened with the latest revelation. “To know there was more evidence, and it wasn’t acted upon, feels like betrayal,” said Andrew’s sister, Charlotte.
What Happens Next
Detectives are now appealing for anyone who traveled on the Circle Line on the day of Andrew’s disappearance to come forward, especially those who may recall a slim teenage boy with long brown hair, accompanied or followed by a man in his 30s to 40s.
As the case reopens with this shocking nine-second clip, many are asking whether the truth about Andrew Gosden’s disappearance may finally come to light — nearly two decades after he walked into London and never came home.