Nicola Payne appeal recieves unprecedented response

Nicola Payne went missing on December 14, 1991. Her son Owen was just six months old.

AN appeal for information 21 years after Coventry mother Nicola Payne went missing has led to an unprecedented response on social media platforms.

Over 450 people shared the Coventry Police Facebook post on their own profiles and Twitter users also gave their support to the appeal by re-posting hundreds of tweets and information on the anniversary of her disappearance on December 14, 1991.

Police also received 25 calls and emails from the community which are being followed up to see if it can help solve the mystery of her disappearance.

“The response on the Coventry Police Facebook page was astounding,” said DI Martin Slevin, senior investigating officer for the case.

“We hope the use of social media will encourage people to come forward with information or stories they may have heard about Nicola over the years.”

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

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.

Police revealed last month they are appealing for sightings of two men who were seen standing next to a Blue car in the area around the time Nicola went missing.

They have been described as white, one being 6" tall, well built wearing a brown leather jacket, while the other was around 6" 3" thin build with short brown hair, a left side parting and was wearing a brown bomber style leather jacket, light hooded sweat shirt and light blue denim jeans.

DI Slevin added: “Following the appeal to trace a vehicle and two men who were seen near to where Nicola went missing at the time of her disappearance, we are also following up a number of calls and emails from people.”

“The investigation into Nicola’s disappearance remains open and we will investigate any new information that comes to light- I would remind people that there is still a £10,000 reward for information leading to the discovery of Nicola’s whereabouts”.

Anyone with information should contact police at Coventry on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800555111

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