Text safety service targets teen party posse

A new service has been set up to pass on people's whereabouts in case they go missing.

Safetytext users can notify others of their whereabouts by sending a text message to a preset number. If they do not cancel the message within 24 hours, an alert is sent to a friend of the user, chosen as a 'buddy' when registering.

The service is aimed at young people and teenagers who might not always want to tell their families where they are going.

Users can choose to add a photograph of themselves when they register, giving the police a head start in their search should it be necessary.

The service can be paid for by subscription or pay as you go. The first option is cheaper, at 33p per message on top of the mobile phone company's charge. The pay-as-you-go option costs 50p per message.

Safetytext was set up by the father of Lucie Blackman, the 21-year-old who was missing for nine months before her murder was discovered in Japan.

Click here to learn more about the service.