Police investigating the disappearance of a 15-year-old boy almost 23 years ago have appealed for information after launching a search of a home he had links to.

Phillip Harris vanished after telling his foster parents he was going to spend the night at a friend’s house, West Midlands Police said.

Despite media appeals in Birmingham and Manchester, where he had family ties, there have been no confirmed sightings of Phillip since he left his home in St Eleanors Close, West Bromwich, on the morning of July 28 1999.

The current residents of the property being searched, in St Paul’s Road, Smethwick, West Midlands, are unconnected to the enquiry and have been temporarily rehoused, police said.

Detective Inspector Jim Church said: “Sadly, there has been no proof of life for Phillip in all these years and we need to explore all the information we have to see if we can find out what happened to him.

“We have been in touch with Phillip’s family and made them aware of our investigations.

“Even though it is almost 23 years ago, we are sure that someone holds the key to Phillip’s disappearance and we would urge anyone with information to contact us.”

Phillip’s family said in a statement: “We think about Phillip every day. We love him and miss him more than words can say.

“If anyone has any information about what has happened to Phillip or where he might be, please let the police know.

“Even though he has been missing for many years, we are still desperate to know where Phillip is so that we can have some closure.”

Information can be given via Live Chat on the West Midlands Police website, or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.