Police have launched an urgent appeal for help in locating Tony McKenzie, a prominent pro-Palestine campaigner who has been missing from his home in Lower Clapton, Hackney for several weeks.
Tony, aged 58, is well known in the community as the lead organiser of London’s “Great Ride of Return” – a fortnightly bike ride aimed at raising funds for the Gaza Sun Birds, an aid organisation. He is described as a “beloved community figure” whose sudden disappearance has sparked widespread concern.
Confusion Over Last Sighting
The Metropolitan Police report that Tony was last seen on February 19. However, a community search party, calling themselves the Find Tony Team, insists that his last sighting was on March 10. In either case, Tony has now been missing for weeks.
Community Rallies to Find Tony
Tony’s disappearance has mobilised the local community, with nearly 200 friends, neighbours, and activists forming the Find Tony Team. They have been distributing leaflets across north London and posting appeals on social media.
Eleanor Thorn, a friend, expressed her concerns:
“It’s incredibly worrying. Tony’s bicycle was still at his flat when police searched it. He’s been such a man of the community. I go to lots of film screenings and talks about Palestine, and he’s always there, always so nice and lovely with everybody.”
The Gaza Sun Birds, the organisation Tony supports, issued a heartfelt message:
“Tony is the type of person you just can’t miss. He is committed to making sure the world caters enough love and attention to what deserves it. Now he is deserving of love and attention, so we hope people will find him and make sure he is safe and sound.”
A Distinctive Presence
Tony is known for his distinctive appearance, often seen wearing a cap decorated to look like a watermelon and dressing in the colours of the Palestinian flag.
Another friend, who wished to remain anonymous, made a direct appeal:
“Tony, if you’re reading this, we want you to know how loved and missed you are. You’ve got the whole of east London out on the streets looking for you. We just want to know that you’re safe.”
Police Appeal for Information
A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police said:
“Police are appealing for help to find 58-year-old Tony McKenzie, who is missing from Hackney.
Tony was last seen on Wednesday, February 19, and reported missing to police on Wednesday, March 26.
Enquiries to find Tony remain ongoing. If you have seen Tony or have any information about his whereabouts, please call 101 and quote the reference CAD 2255/26MARCH.”
The community search party can also be reached at [email protected] for anyone who may have seen him or knows his whereabouts.
A Community in Concern
The disappearance of Tony McKenzie has left many in the Hackney community anxious, with public appeals multiplying on social media. As search efforts intensify, friends and supporters are urging anyone with information to come forward.
