No sign of Nicola Payne as search ends, men released

[dutchman]

The mystery surrounding the disappearance of Coventry mother Nicola Payne remains unknown after a three-day search came to an end.



Detectives had been searching parkland off Purcell Road and an address in Miles Meadow, Courthouse Greem, since Tuesday (June 19) after receiving fresh information about her disappearance.

But Police have confirmed that no new evidence of items have been found at both sites.

Two men were arrested yesterday (Wednesday) on Suspicion of conspiracy to prevent the lawful and decent durial of a body and detectives were granted a further 12 hours to question the pair.

Patrick Judge, 74 has since been released without charge and his son Keith, 45, has been bailed to an address outside Coventry pending further enquiries.

"Despite the searches ending, we would like to reassure Nicola's family first and foremost as well as the local community that the investigation is very much ongoing,” said detective superintendent Richard Baker.

"Thorough searches took place after new information came to light and obviously we acted on this.

"This was not about raising false hope – we have a responsibility to investigate fresh lines of enquiry and will continue to assess and act on all information provided to us.

"I would also like to thank local people for their support over the last few days. We are absolutely determined to see an end to the mystery of what happened to Nicola and we know Nicola's family and the local community share our determination.

"I continue to appeal for anyone who may have information regarding Nicola's disappearance to come forward and contact us."

Nicola was aged just 18 when she went missing from the Wood End area of the city on December 14 1991.

She had left her boyfriend's house in Winston Avenue to pick up some baby clothes for her seven-month-old son Owen but despite extensive enquiries, has not been seen or heard from since.

Nicola's family were kept aware of the latest developments and have asked for their privacy to be respected at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 and ask for Operation Blockley or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.