Father of Lucie Blackman creates safety text service

The father of Lucie Blackman – the British woman murdered while working as a hostess in Japan – has launched a text service that he is hoping will improve the safety of travellers and young people.

The service, called Safetytext, will allow users to send a message to a nominated recipient with all the details of where they're going, with whom and when they expect to be back.

The text is delayed for between 30 minutes and 24 hours, according to what the user wants, and if the text isn't cancelled, the details are delivered to the recipient – giving them and the authorities a head start in tracking down the missing person.

The service will also mean users can keep a record of their details and a photograph with the service, with the information passed on to the police if an individual goes missing.

Lucie Blackman's father Tim was inspired to create the service during the search for his daughter, who went missing over three years ago in Tokyo.

To register for the service, go to www.safetytext.com.