Police investigating the disappearance of Coventry mum Nicola Payne 21 years ago have arrested two men on suspicion of conspiracy to prevent the lawful and decent burial of a body. Officers began searching an area of parkland in the city yesterday.
Nicola Payne has been missing since 1991. Credit: West Midlands Police/PA Wire
Two men arrested in connection with the disappearance of a teenager 21 years ago have been released from police custody after extensive searches of parkland and a house revealed no new evidence.
Nicola Payne, 18, went missing as she made her way to her parents' home in Coventry in 1991. Detectives have spent three days searching a field and a nearby property in the city after receiving new information about the case.
West Midlands Police said a 74-year-old man was released without charge, and a 45-year-old man was bailed to an address outside Coventry pending further inquiries. Both men were arrested yesterday.
Detectives search the garden of an address in Miles Meadow, Coventry. Credit: Press Association
West Midlands Police and specialist scientists from the Home Office are searching an address in Miles Meadow, Coventry. Police officers have cordoned off a section of the garden as part of their inquiry.
Detectives have begun to dig up the gardens of an address in Coventry, in connection with their investigation. Credit: Press Association
The search comes after two men were arrested this morning on suspicion of conspiracy to prevent the lawful and decent burial of a body. ITV Central have more.
Officers continue to carry out a detailed search of an area of parkland off Purcell Road in Coventry, after initial searches by police and scientists revealed areas of interest, West Midlands Police said.
These areas will be examined using specialist equipment including metal detecting devices and other specialist equipment.
Two men arrested in connection with Nicola Payne investigation
Detectives investigating the disappearance of Nicola Payne in Coventry have arrested two men in connection with the investigation, West Midlands Police said.
The men, aged 74 and 45 from the Coventry area, have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to prevent the lawful and decent burial of a body, following new information which has come to light in connection with the inquiry.
They have both been taken to police stations in the city, where they will be questioned by detectives in connection with Nicola's disappearance nearly 21 years ago.
Police find 'areas of interest' in search for missing mum
Detectives investigating the disappearance of a Coventry mother who was last seen 21 years ago have found "areas of interest" in the woodlands they are searching.
Police believe someone has the key to missing mum mystery
Police investigating the disappearance of missing Coventry mum Nicola Payne in 1991 say someone holds the key to understanding what happened to her.
Detective Chief Insp Matt Markham and Chief Insp Kerry Blakeman hold a press conference. Credit: Press Association
As officers began searching an area of the city following 'new information', Detective Chief Inspector Matt Markham said: "Someone holds the information that is key to understanding what happened to Nicola.
"Over the past 21 years that person may have kept this information secret due to allegiances.
"Those allegiances may now have changed and we would urge you to consider the traumatic and painful years that Nicola's family have endured.
"Please allow us to give them the closure they deserve and come forward with that information."
Police investigating the disappearance of a young Coventry mum 21 years ago are continuing to search parkland in the city following new information about the case.
West Midlands Police officers at the search site in Coventry. Credit: Press Association
West Midlands Police said a number of specialist teams are scouring an area of cordoned-off parkland off Purcell Road in Coventry in connection with the disappearance of Nicola Payne in 1991. Her son Owen was six months old at the time.
Police tents have been erected at the search site in Coventry. Credit: Press Association
The 18-year-old left her boyfriend's home to walk to her parents house nearby, but she never arrived.
Searches, which include the use of ground x-ray equipment, are expected to last several days.
Community Support Officers at the scene in Coventry. Credit: Press Association
Police hope search will end mystery of missing mum
Police have told ITV News they hope the latest searches in Coventry will help solve the mystery of the disappearance of 18-year-old missing mum Nicola Payne.
Police officers speak to reporters at the scene of today's search. Credit: West Midlands Police
Nicola, whose son Owen was six months old at the time she went missing, disappeared in 1991 as she walked from her boyfriend's home to her parents' home in Coventry.
Police: 'Missing mum search follows new information'
Today's activity is as a direct result of new information which has been developed by detectives working on the case. The investigation into Nicola's disappearance has always remained open and any new information has been examined.
We are today continuing to appeal for new information and would urge the local community to think back as to whether they saw anything suspicious on or around the 14 December 1991 either at this location or where Nicola was last sighted, near to the Black Pad in Wood End, to come forward if they have not previously done so.
– DCI Matt Markham from Force CID at West Midlands Police
