47-year-old missing teen case sparks new manhunt

By Lauren Wilkin

Police are appealing for information almost 50 years after the mysterious disappearance of a schoolgirl.

Suzanne Lawrence, then aged 14, was reported missing in the summer of 1979.

Together with her then 13-year-old sister, Michelle, she left home in Harold Hill, east London, on July 27, 1979 - telling their mother they would be staying with friends in Dagenham.

Michelle returned home five days later, on July 31, after the pair had an argument. She told police they had met three boys, aged around 14 to 17, at a fair in Highbury Fields, north London.

The boys took them to a nearby squat, but she was unable to locate the address when she accompanied officers on a visit to the area.

At the time police thought Suzanne may have joined a traveling fair, but inquiries failed to locate her.

The case has never been closed and detectives are now appealing for any information that could help them establish what happened to the schoolgirl.

In an attempt to reach Suzanne, they have released two e-fit images of how Suzanne, who would now be aged 61, may look now.

However, they are keeping an open mind over the circumstances of Suzanne's disappearance, including whether she may have come to harm.

Her sister Michelle Hooper, who is supporting the police appeal, said: "I was the last member of the family to be with my sister before she disappeared.

"We left home together and for a period we were both trying to survive away from home. Eventually I returned, but Suzanne did not.

"Many years have passed, but not a day goes by without wondering what happened to her. Our mother is now elderly and, like me, has lived for decades without knowing what became of her daughter. No family should have to endure such uncertainty for so long.

"If anyone remembers seeing us, helping us, giving us somewhere to stay, or speaking to my sister during those days in the summer of 1979, please come forward.

"Even the smallest piece of information could be important.

"If my sister is alive, I want her to know that she has never been forgotten. If anyone knows what happened to her, I ask them to do the right thing and speak to the police.

"Our family simply wants the truth and the opportunity to finally understand what happened."

Detective Chief Inspector Kam Sodhi, who is leading the Met's investigation, said: "We're committed to getting answers for Suzanne's family, even after all these years.

"After they left the family home, Suzanne and her younger sibling are believed to have experienced a brief period of homelessness.

"During that period, we believe that three boys aged approximately 14 to 17 years, believed to be from the Highbury or Islington area, met the sisters and took them to a local squat.

"I believe these individuals may hold vital information about Suzanne's movements after her sister returned home and I would urge them to come forward.

"We are also particularly interested in hearing from anyone who knew the family, attended school with Suzanne, helped either child, or had any contact with them during the summer of 1979.

"Relationships and circumstances change over time. Information that may once have seemed insignificant could now be vital to finding answers for her family.

"Someone knows what happened to Suzanne. If you have any information, however small, please contact us.

"I'd also appeal to Suzanne herself, if she is reading this, to get in touch with us."

Suzanne is described as a white girl, with dark brown straight hair, who was around 5'3" to 5'5" in height and of slim build. She spoke with a local, Essex accent.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police by calling 101, quoting Op Examen and the reference 01/1106320/24.

Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.