Police are renewing their appeal for anyone with information relating to the disappearance of Damien Nettles some 19 years ago today (Monday) to come forward.
The 16-year-old was last spotted on CCTV at Yorkie’s fish and chip shop on Cowes High Street at 23:35 on 2nd November 1996. He was also seen on other CCTV cameras in Cowes just after midnight into 3rd November 1996 which showed him walking to a bus stop and eating his chips as he walked along the street – this footage was later lost by Police.
Damien has not been seen since and no body has ever been discovered, despite two searches at Stag Lane cycle path and at a property in Gurnard. Murder or foul play are still very much part of Hampshire Constabulary’s ongoing inquiries.
A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said:
“Detectives from Hampshire Constabulary continue to make regular checks of the files of this case, which is not closed. Checks include analysing the credibility of any new information that may be given to police, contacting HM Coroner’s officers about the discoveries of any unidentified bodies similar to Damien’s description and working with the Nettles family on any opportunities to maintain public awareness of the case.
“No new lines of enquiry have been identified by Hampshire Constabulary over the past year.”
Previous police actions in this case include 357 witness statements, 2,553 documents reviewed with a total of 1,134 people involved in the investigation whether as witnesses, investigators or people of interest.
In 2011, eight people were arrested following information received from the local community but they were all later released with no further action.
A £20,000 reward for information offered in 2012 led to 30 reports from the public but none of them led to new lines of inquiry.
A candlelit vigil is set to be held on the Green at Cowes Parade to give people a chance to show their support for Damien’s family.
