Police find areas of interest in Nicola Payne search

By Matthew Bates 20/06 Updated: 21/06 10:03

Specialist teams carried searchs of parkland off Purcell Road and at an address in Miles Meadow, Courthouse Green. (S)

DETECTIVES investigating the disappearance of Nicola Payne have focused their efforts on specific areas of parkland after yesterday's initial search.

Specialist equipment including metal detectors will be used to examine the areas but police warned it could be a lengthy process due to the complexity of the site and possible excavation process.

It follows a search of parkland off Purcell Road, Courthouse Green, yesterday (Tuesday) after detectives uncovered new information.

Specialist scientists from the Home Office are supporting officers from West Midlands Police at the site and will continue to examine the areas of interest from today.

Nicola, aged 18, went missing from the Wood End area of the city on December 14, 1991, on her way from her home in Winston Avenue to her parent's house. She has not been seen since.

Police are keeping her family up-to-date on any developments.

Det Chief Insp Matt Markham said: "The search has been progressing well, we currently have around 25 to 30 officers working on the search and investigation into Nicola's disappearance.

"We are committed to investigating any new information with the aim of bringing closure to Nicola's family, who have endured a painful and traumatic 21 years since her disappearance."

Anyone with information should contact police at Coventry on 101 and ask for Operation Blockley or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.