Cops dig woodland searching for mum Nicola Payne who disappeared in 1991 after receiving ‘credible’ new information
Officers investigating suspected abduction and murder joined by police dogs and scientists
POLICE investigating the disappearance of a young mother 25-years-ago are searching woodland after receiving “credible” new information.
The operation to find information about the suspected abduction and murder of Nicola Payne has seen officers joined by search dogs and scientists.
Miss Payne, then 18, was last seen as she walked to her parents' home across waste ground in Wood End, Coventry, on December 14 1991.
Nothing connected with the case has yet been found at Coventry’s Coombe County Park, West Midlands Police have revealed, but the hunt continues.
A lake at the 500-acre site was searched by police in April last year as part of an investigation into Ms Payne's disappearance.
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Detective Chief Inspector Martin Slevin, who is leading the inquiry, said: "These searches come after we received credible evidence from an eyewitness concerning the sighting of two men in this area on the day Nicola disappeared.
"West Midlands Police is as committed as ever to finding Nicola's remains.
“We promised her family following the acquittal of two men last year that we would continue to investigate this crime and bring those responsible for her abduction and murder to justice.
"We will endeavour to bring them the closure they deserve.
"Although items of interest have been examined, nothing of relevance has been located to date."
Ms Payne's family has been kept fully updated throughout the latest searches.
Mr Slevin added: "December this year sees 25 years passing since Nicola disappeared but the information that brought us to this site demonstrates that there are still people out there with vital information that may assist.
"I would urge anyone who has yet to contact us to come forward and let us assess the value of the information you hold. It may be the piece of the jigsaw we are seeking."
Two men, both aged 51, were cleared of murdering her after a trial at Birmingham Crown Court last November.
Anyone with information should contact the investigation team on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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